As Sudan faces a prolonged civil war, concerns have been raised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference for England and Wales. This conflict, which began in 2023, reflects nearly 70 years of Sudan’s turbulent history since gaining independence.
The struggle for power between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has drawn international attention, especially after the fall of el-Fasher to the RSF following an 18-month siege. The aftermath has been devastating, with accusations of mass civilian casualties.
Bishop Paul Swarbrick of Lancaster, who oversees African affairs for the Catholic Church, commented, “The reports from the city of el-Fasher are deeply troubling and call for immediate international attention.”
Swarbrick emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that it remains underreported compared to other global conflicts. “The situation has become even more dire and there’s no evidence of it moving towards a resolution. From a global perspective, it remains almost a sideshow to other conflicts, and yet the loss of life, widespread suffering, and the number of displaced people is colossal.”
The bishop also highlighted the regional impact of Sudan’s turmoil, referencing his recent visit to Ethiopia’s Tigray region. “My overriding sense when I visited the Tigray region of Ethiopia earlier this year is that the effects of Sudan’s tragedy are spreading across international borders in the region and further afield. This is a worrying development.”
Support from Catholic aid organizations such as CAFOD and Trócaire remains crucial, as Swarbrick acknowledged their efforts amidst significant risks. He urged for more decisive action from the international community: “While I am deeply grateful that faith communities continue to work on the ground despite risks, words must now be matched by action – the international community can no longer turn away from the immense human cost of this conflict.”
He urged continued faith and prayer, stating, “The Lord does not abandon his people or turn a deaf ear to their cry. We believe in a peace the world cannot give them, even as we pray for an end to the fighting. We must continue to pray for a time of healing.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
