The conflict in Sudan deteriorates as both military factions prioritize victory over peace negotiations, as stated by Father John Gbemboyo. The recent shelling in Omdurman reflects the rising death toll amidst ongoing violence that has displaced millions and exacerbated severe humanitarian issues. Concurrently, international concern surges over possible genocide, particularly targeting vulnerable populations.
Peace remains elusive in Sudan as both factions pursue absolute victory over negotiations, remarked Father John Gbemboyo of the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference. He highlighted the recent tragic shelling in the Dar-Salam area, resulting in over 120 fatalities. This incident reflects a broader conflict that erupted on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Both military leaders, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who previously united to oust President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, are now entrenched in a violent struggle for power, undermining hopes for a democratic transition. Gbemboyo noted the ongoing conflict has claimed thousands of lives, displaced 11.5 million individuals, and revolutionized humanitarian crises across the nation.
Reports indicate that civilians face grave dangers, falling victim to indiscriminate attacks and targeted killings amid the ongoing violence. According to Gbemboyo, the situation is dire, with no safe routes available for delivering crucial humanitarian assistance. The UNHCR estimates that approximately 25 million people in Sudan are in need of humanitarian support due to severe shortages of essential resources.
UNICEF has also raised alarms regarding the impact of the conflict on children, stating that more than 600 incidents of severe rights violations against minors have occurred, primarily in Darfur and surrounding regions. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has condemned the situation, stating concerns about genocide, specifically targeting ethnic groups. He described instances of rampant violence against women and children that are occurring during this turmoil.
In light of these extreme circumstances, the Catholic Church in Sudan remains committed to the sanctity of life, advocating for the protection of citizens, especially vulnerable populations. Gbemboyo emphasized that the ongoing conflict’s extremist attitudes hinder the potential for negotiation, stating, “It is either victory or death, and so the likelihood of working for a win-win solution is far from reach.”
Despite these challenges, the Church continues to promote peace efforts, with bishops issuing pastoral letters urging an end to the devastating conflict in Sudan, while appealing to international and regional communities for support in resolving the crisis.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan involves violent clashes primarily between two military factions: the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. This strife resulted from a power struggle following the ousting of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, which initially sparked hopes for a democratic government. However, those hopes faded as both factions engaged in a ruthless battle for dominance, prompting massive humanitarian crises across the country.
In summary, the current civil strife in Sudan underscores the dire need for peace negotiations rather than a focus on military victory. The suffering inflicted upon civilians, particularly children, illustrates the urgent humanitarian crisis demanding international attention. The Catholic Church’s stance emphasizes the importance of safeguarding human life, advocating for an end to hostilities amid escalating violence and human rights violations.
Original Source: cruxnow.com
