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A second chance to walk: Ezzeldein's struggle, from exile to dignity
In Al Kufra, in southeastern Libya, Ezzeldein's story illustrates the power of human resilience. A 21-year-old Sudanese refugee, he is now learning to walk again with the help of a prosthesis, marking the end of a long ordeal and the beginning of a new life.
Publié le 19/12/2025 | Temps de lecture : 6 min
The tragedy: a night that changed everything in Sudan
Ezzeldein’s life was shattered on November 17, 2024. During a violent armed robbery at his home in Sudan, the young man was shot three times in the leg while trying to protect his family. He watched as his father was murdered before his eyes.
Rushed to the hospital, Ezzeldein survived, but a severe infection (sepsis) forced doctors to amputate his leg a week later. The psychological trauma was compounded by the loss of physical autonomy.
Exile to Al Kufra: a quest for survival
Despite his disability, Ezzeldein refused to give up. Determined to provide for his mother and siblings who had remained in the country, he and his 17-year-old brother embarked on a dangerous journey to Libya.
After eight days of exhausting travel, they reached Al Kufra on February 16, 2025. It was here, in this remote area, that the mobile health teams of Première Urgence Internationale identified him during a routine visit.
The humanitarian response: extreme logistics
Première Urgence Internationale’s expertise made it possible to turn a complex medical case into a concrete success. The care provided focused on three areas:
- Immediate care: Medical follow-up and pain management.
- Logistical coordination: Organization of a transfer to Benghazi (more than 800 km away) via a specialized ambulance, thanks to a partnership with the Libyan Red Crescent (LRC).
- Equipment: Fitting of a custom-made prosthesis at the ICRC rehabilitation center in Benghazi.
Rebirth: from rehabilitation to employment
Back in Al Kufra, Ezzeldein received daily support. Première Urgence Internationale arranged for him to be transported to the local physiotherapy center so that he could learn to use his new leg.
Ezzeldein can now walk unaided © Première Urgence Internationale
In July 2025, the miracle happened: Ezzeldein took his first steps on his own. Today, he has found a job in the city of Derna. His initial goal has been achieved: he can finally work, rebuild his life, and support his family from afar.
This project was made possible with support from UK Aid from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
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