WRAL by Julian Grace

After years of heartache and uncertainty caused by the ongoing civil war in Sudan, Omer Abdularhaman has finally been reunited with his wife, Zulfa, and daughter, Yaqin, in Raleigh.

The long-awaited reunion came after months of delays and desperate attempts to bring his family to safety, as two rival military groups in Sudan kept them separated.

This moment of joy almost seemed impossible earlier this year.

In the chaos of the civil war in Sudan, Omer’s family was stranded in Sudan. As fighting intensified between rival military groups, Zulfa and Yaqin’s planned arrival in Raleigh was delayed multiple times.

During this time, Omer made multiple trips back to Sudan, documenting his visits with his family and pleading for help.

He explained the dire situation in his country.  “A lot of explosions and gunfire… it’s still going on, but it’s a little better now. It’s not as bad as it was, but it’s still not safe.”

He reached out to Congresswoman Deborah Ross, who took action, helping to secure the necessary support. 

Then, a breakthrough: Omer received word that his family’s visas had been approved. The moment he’d waited for had finally arrived.

“When I think about it, I’m just super excited, pure excitement,” Omer said with a smile. “I was ecstatic when I heard the news. I immediately booked their tickets. They flew from Cairo International Airport to Washington, before finally landing here in Raleigh.”

“I don’t have to worry anymore. I can focus on work and everything else—no more big worries. It’s over now.”

For years, Omer was known as a relentless marathoner, crossing the state in race after race. But now, he’s embracing a role as father and husband.

Although the family is now together, they continue to hold concerns for the millions still in Sudan. With an estimated 11 million people displaced and the death toll surpassing 60,000, the family’s thoughts remain with those who are still suffering.

“We’re here, but we can’t forget what’s happening back there,” Omer said.

In a bittersweet moment of celebration, Omer and his family spent their first Thanksgiving in the United States, surrounded by new friends and grateful for the chance to begin again.

Omer and his family are now putting down roots in Raleigh, building a new life while keeping their loved ones in Sudan in their hearts.

Link to full article: https://www.wral.com/news/local/husband-reunites-family-sudan-war-raleigh-november-2024/