Safe passage for family

Port Selao

Today I arranged for a driver to escort Atticus’ family through the mountains and to the border. I drove out with them to see them off. The border was jammed with so many people. It took a good two hours to get them through. Fortunately, the African Union (AU) is still manning the crossing so they had no troubles. Relatives were awaiting them on the other side.

I gave what cash I could to Martina, Atticus’ wife. It won’t be easy to start a new life but it’s what they must do. Before leaving, Martina embraced me tightly. We both cried as we held each other. It’s the first time I’ve felt such a personal toll from a conflict.

As I left the border, I had an interesting conversation with another civilian leaving the country. He’d heard a rumour that the AU was planning to evacuate.

I immediately returned to the border and questioned several of the AU but no one would confirm or deny. I didn’t really expect an answer but you never know.

I pray this rumour is false. If the AU leaves, the country will turn into an American Wild West of sorts. They are the last shreds of authority holding things together. Without them, the violence will escalate.