Bishop Yunan Tombe of Sudan recounted a brutal assault by the SAF and RSF following a church conference. After losing money to the SAF, he was severely beaten by the RSF. His situation highlights the dangers faced by religious leaders amidst Sudan’s ongoing conflict, contributing to a growing humanitarian crisis and escalating religious persecution.
In a harrowing firsthand account, Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille Kuku Andali of the El-Obeid Diocese detailed an assault he endured at the hands of Sudan’s warring military factions—the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Following a recent Eucharistic Congress in South Sudan, Bishop Tombe and Church deacon Joseph were ambushed by the SAF, who seized a small amount of cash from the bishop under the false pretext of carrying illicit currency. After escaping this encounter, they fell victim to the RSF, where Bishop Tombe was brutally beaten and left for dead, suffering severe injuries to his face and head. He later recounted, “I can’t bite food. Together with deacon [Joseph], we narrowly missed martyrdom when one leader said that is enough.”
Bishop Matthew Remijo Adam of Wau, South Sudan, expressed his dismay at the attack, emphasizing the need for church leaders to denounce such violence and calling upon President Salva Kiir Mayardit to ensure the safety of the bishop as well as the relocation if necessary. The ongoing conflict between the SAF and RSF, which has resulted in over 61,000 deaths and displaced more than 11 million since its inception in 2023, highlights the dire humanitarian crisis engulfing Sudan. This situation reflects a broader trend of escalating religious persecution, particularly against Christians, leading to Sudan’s ranking as the eighth most dangerous country for Christians according to the Open Door’s World Watch List of 2024.
Bishop Tombe has consistently advocated for peace amidst the ongoing violence. His previous encounters with death underscore the perilous conditions faced by religious leaders in Sudan. In one notable incident on April 20, 2023, missiles targeted the Mary Queen of Africa Cathedral, fortunately missing the bishop, although significant damage occurred.
Despite claims by military leaders in Sudan to support democracy and religious freedom, the targeting of Christians has intensified in the conflict’s wake. Since 2019, which saw a brief improvement in religious tolerance following the ousting of Omar el-Bashir, the coup in 2021 has reinstated state-sponsored persecution against religious groups.
The current conflict in Sudan, primarily between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, has caused widespread devastation and humanitarian crises. The strife, marked by violence and power struggles, has disproportionately affected various communities, including religious minorities. Christian leaders, facing increasing threats during this turmoil, have taken a stand for peace and religious freedom, as evidenced by Bishop Tombe’s advocacy. His recent assault exemplifies the risks faced by clergy in this environment, highlighting the intersection of armed conflict and religious persecution in Sudan.
In summary, the violent experiences of Bishop Yunan Tombe and the broader context of the Sudanese conflict underscore an urgent call for peace and protection of religious freedoms. With ongoing military turmoil and increased threats to Christians, the plight of religious leaders signifies a critical challenge to both humanitarian efforts and the basic rights of individuals in Sudan. It is imperative for international oversight and local leadership to work towards a resolution to safeguard the lives and freedoms of those affected.
Original Source: cruxnow.com
