Haidar Abdalla Adam

Haidar is a Sudanese man in his thirties. He was forced by life’s circumstances to support his five siblings; he dropped out of school and left his homeland in search on an income. Haidar found stability in Lebanon as a cleaning company employee with a monthly salary. He was happy he was able to provide for his family, he sure didn’t know his life will turn into a living hell.

Haidar was home in Medawwar resting from a long day at work when the glass windows shattered injuring his right hand, causing him intense pain. Red Cross paramedics dressed his hand and evacuated him to Jeitawi hospital where he was asked to pay 2 million LBP to be admitted. When he refused, they advised him to go to Rafic Hariri University Hospital since he was already registered with the United Nations. Upon his arrival at Rafi Hariri University Hospital, he was not admitted, nor attended to, under the pretext that there were no beds available. He waited with a relative of his on the sidewalk, holding his injured hand, and trying to overcome his broken spirit. After multiple attempts, he was finally admitted in the early morning hours.

He did a couple X-Rays, and underwent a first surgery following the United Nation’s approval, which covered 75% of the cost, while Haidar’s friends collected the remaining amount. Haidar waited for a full month before he could start physiotherapy sessions through “Doctors Without Borders”, despite the urgent need and his inability to cover the costs. The sessions continued for months, but the pain still kept him up at night. Seven months later, he returned to the hospital and underwent a second surgery with the support of SAMS organization. Today, Haidar no longer feels the pain, but he still cannot feel his fingers, and can barely move them. Thus, he was unable to return to work, losing his source of income. Haidar had to move from one apartment to another due to his inability to pay the rent.

Today, Haidar found the support he needed so much. He currently lives with his girlfriend, and he adapted to his hand condition. However, he still cannot see a future for himself in Lebanon nor in Sudan. He feels hopeless sometimes and wishes to die to escape his life.

Haidar stresses that compensation for those affected by the blast is a must, so they can continue to live in dignity. He also strongly urges Lebanese officials to move forward with the investigation to hold responsible parties accountable. He asks those criminals: “what would you do if this happened to you?”, maybe they still have a bit of conscience left in them.