From sorrow to safety: My family's journey escaping a military coup

Just over three weeks ago, I woke up to the news that a civil war had broken out in Sudan.

My family, including my dad Elmugiera, were still over there after visiting for a family wedding. I was horrified at the thought of another coup that would end with thousands of innocent lives being collateral damage.

It was frustrating and infuriating.

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The last few weeks have been arguably the most stressful of my life. Waking up every day with an uneasy feeling about the fate of your family and the people of your country grew exhausting.

The current death toll of civilians is now over 600. However, the real number is thought to be much higher.

The conflict is between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leader of the Sudanese Army, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary organization (RSF).

Both groups were in an allied partnership. Yet the dispute started when the RSF accused the Sudanese Army of illegal militarization, leading to friction between the two.

For a coup to happen three times in Sudan in the last five years shows how both leaders have no regard for civilian life and prioritise power.

My anger at both the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces grows for every single person that perishes. Their blood is on Burhan's and Hamdan's hands.

For over two weeks, my family has been making plans on how to leave the warzone - a perilous journey that would present many risks.

There were a few options. Some destinations such as Egypt, Ethiopia and Port Sudan would be safer than others.

These were the most viable options for my dad as he could then be evacuated. However, he needed to take into consideration the