Islamic Relief is heartbroken to report the killing of one of our longest-serving and most loved staff in Sudan.
Izzeldin Mohamed Juma, age 49, dedicated his entire life to helping others. He was killed on 11 March while protecting his family when armed men attacked and looted their home in the Jebel Aulia area of Khartoum.
Nearly 2 years of war in Sudan have created 1 of the world’s worst humanitarian crises and led to a widespread breakdown in law and order, with attacks on civilians carried out with impunity. Many humanitarian workers have been killed.
Izzeldin worked for Islamic Relief for over 30 years, mainly as security guard and receptionist. Our thoughts and prayers are with his surviving family, including his wife and 10 children.
Elsadig Elnour, Islamic Relief’s Country Director in Sudan, said:
“Izzeldin will be missed by everyone at Islamic Relief, but he will always be remembered for his loyalty, bravery, and commitment to keeping others safe. He was known for his kindness, generosity, and his love for his family and community. At work he was supremely dedicated, often going above and beyond to keep people and property safe. Outside of work he was an Imam in his local mosque, where his presence brought comfort to those around him. He left a lasting impact on everyone he met. His spirit and the values he upheld will remain an inspiration to us all.”
As guard and receptionist, he was often the face of Islamic Relief, and he was loved and respected across the community.
Izzeldin was born and raised in Zalingei in central Darfur, the vast region in the west of Sudan. His colleagues and family recall that from an early age he became known for his strong sense of responsibility and dedication to helping others.
He joined Islamic Relief as a cleaner in 1991, working while he continued his education and put himself through university, studying English at Juba University in Khartoum.
He then married and lived with his family in Darfur, until the war and attacks on civilians that plagued Darfur from 2003 forced them to move to Khartoum.
When war broke out in Khartoum in April 2023, he insisted on staying in the home and neighborhood that he loved, so that he could support his wider family. Like most humanitarian agencies, the war forced Islamic Relief to temporarily close its office in Khartoum and relocate to Port Sudan in the east of the country. As a result, Izzeldin temporarily left his role in June 2024, but was determined to resume work as soon as possible.
Islamic Relief has been helping ease suffering in Sudan for 40 years, and has continued our life-saving work throughout the current crisis. As the Islamic Relief family around the world mourns the loss of our dear colleague, we thank Izzeldin for his decades of service. In his memory, we renew our pledge to do all we can to assist ordinary families whose lives have been shattered by conflict in Sudan. As well as delivering life-saving aid, we continue to campaign for an end to the war and for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers.
May God forgive him, have mercy on him, and grant him the highest paradise.