Edmonton man reunites with daughters who fled conflict in Ethiopia

With a joyful cry, Hassan Mursal sweeps his girlsinto his arms at Edmonton International Airport after fighting for years for this moment.

Saabiriin, 14, and Zuhur, 9, beam as their dad kisses them and wipes away tears.

Watch the moment the family was reunited

A long-awaited family reunion

6 years ago

Duration 0:50

Hassan Mursal finally greets his daughters on Canadian soil after years of trying to get them into the country.

Their journey beganmonths earlier when the sisters fled an escalating conflict in southern Ethiopia and ended up stranded in Nairobi in the care of family friends.

"I'm thanking Allah today," said Mursal Tuesday, his voice hoarse with emotion. "They arrived safely. With me they are joined."

• 'In harm's way': Passport dispute strands Canadian children who fled war-torn Ethiopia

The girls are Canadian citizens.Mursal has tried to bring them to Canada for more than three years. But the process dragged on because of a dispute about Saabiriin's passport photo.

In January,the Edmonton-based organization Coalition for Justice and Human Rights raised Mursal's case withcabinet ministerAmarjeet Sohi's office.

Community members spent long hours filling out applications as an official with Global Affairs coordinated with Kenyan authorities and communicated with Mursal and his supporters.

Within weeks, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued emergency travel documents for the girls. After one final delay as the sisters waited for exit visa documents from the Kenyan government, this week they were finally on their way.

• Reunion delayed: Edmonton man's children prevented from leaving Nairobi

"I'm thanking everyone who helped me," Mursalsaid as his weary girls hugged their aunt, greeted another family who worked on their case and took in their surroundings.

With a shy smile, Saabiriin tried out her English, saying, "I'm happy to be here."

After their chaotic circumstances left them unable to study in East Africa, Mursal said he is excited for his girls to start school in Edmonton.

"All my dreams I dreamed before have come true today," he said.

andrea.huncar@cbc.ca

@andreahuncar