(Photo: Aid to the Church in Need)
In regions marred by conflict, the voice of a Catholic missionary calls for the world’s attention. Father Diego Dalle Carbonare, a Comboni missionary with experience in Egypt, Lebanon, and Sudan, emphasizes the urgent need for global intervention to alleviate the suffering in crisis-stricken areas, particularly in Sudan and other parts of Africa.
Since gaining independence, Sudan has been embroiled in continuous civil wars, with the current conflict being a standoff between the RSF and SAF, factions led by two once-allied warlords. Similarly, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) faces unrelenting turmoil. After the end of President Mobutu’s regime in 1997, the DRC has seen persistent conflict, with government forces now battling the Rwanda-backed M23 group and facing attacks from Islamist militants.
Father Carbonare underscores the interconnectedness of global communities, stating, “The Catholic Church teaches that we share a common home. Distance should not be an issue. What is happening in Sudan, what is happening in Africa, to civilians, children and women, concerns all of us in some way.”
He further stressed the ethical responsibility of citizens to hold their governments accountable, urging action against the factors fueling wars, such as the arms and gold trades. “We all believe in a judgement. One day, God will examine us, and many will be surprised when he asks about forgotten wars,” he stated, highlighting the moral obligation to seek peaceful resolutions.
The ongoing conflicts have profoundly affected Christians in the region. Last March, Christians in Sudan were able to return to Khartoum to worship after the SAF expelled the RSF from the city. However, challenges persist, particularly in education, where schools struggle to retain teachers and students.
Father Carbonare shared poignant accounts of hardship. Teachers have been forced to relocate, with some fleeing to South Sudan in search of security. The priest recounted tragic incidents, including the murder and torture of a teacher who had been close to becoming a headmaster. Another tale involved a widowed teacher who faced threats from RSF militants but responded with resilience and faith, invoking a Gospel reference that led her aggressors to retreat and later seek forgiveness.
Reflecting on these narratives, Father Carbonare observed that war reveals both the noblest and darkest aspects of human nature.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
