Stranded Haj pilgrims block road in Port Sudan

Hundreds of stranded Haj pilgrims blocked the Northern Port Road in Port Sudan on Thursday in protest against the lack of vessels to transport them to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

Journalist Osman Hashim told Radio Dabanga that the pilgrims have been living in tragic and miserable conditions for a week, with high temperatures and a lack of shelter and meals. The pilgrims include elderly people and nursing mothers.

Hashim claimed that many pilgrims lost their passports to officers, who did not return them. Also, Saudi entry visas have expired because of the delay. The pilgrims hold the authorities and agencies responsible for their growing suffering. The pilgrims support the workers that earlier this week halted the handling of ports in Port Sudan.

Protest

On Thursday, workers of the Roads and Construction Corporation in Port Sudan, capital of Red Sea state, carried out a protest in front of the office of the acting governor to demand that their names will be included on the lists with staff eligible for a fixed working contract.

Hashim said that the workers submitted a memorandum two days ago to demand fixed contracts, improvement of their financial situation, and the return of former benefits. He pointed out that the vigil lasted for hours and that the heat was intense. However, the governor did not address the protesters or listen to their demands.

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