Collateral Damage
Bakit Oumar is seven years old. He lives with his grandmother and his 8 year old brother in Koubigou, a camp for displaced people near Goz Beida. Their village was destroyed by Janjaweed. They have no father. More recently their mother abandoned them. They have nothing. They have never seen a toy.
In January, 2008 things got a whole lot worse. While the boys were playing near their home they came upon something unusual. It was a rocket propelled grenade. Goz Beida has been attacked many times. The surrounding area is littered with the stuff of war. The grenade exploded tearing off Bakit hands, most of one arm and part of his face including his eye.
Unicef was notified and they evacuated the child to the capital hospital where they saved his ilfe and did what they could. Bakit continues to fight infections. He told us, "I want my hands". Little Bakit does not smile any more. Ever.
|
 |
|