Sudanese Bishop Shares Account of Brutalization by Armed Forces
Bishop Yunan Tombe of El-Obeid Diocese recounted a brutal assault by the SAF and RSF soldiers during his return from South Sudan. He suffered theft and severe injuries, reflecting the acute dangers faced by clergy amid Sudan’s escalating conflict. His account raises concerns about the safety of religious leaders as the humanitarian crisis worsens and targeted attacks on Christians increase.
In a recent harrowing account, Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille Kuku Andali of the El-Obeid Diocese in Sudan detailed the brutal treatment he endured at the hands of soldiers from both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). During his return from a Eucharistic Congress in South Sudan, he and a colleague faced theft, severe beatings, and threats to their lives, showcasing the dangers faced by clergy in war-torn Sudan. The bishop conveyed the severity of his injuries, claiming he was struck repeatedly in vital areas, rendering him unable to eat normally. In reaction to this violent incident, fellow clerics have expressed their deep concerns, calling for intervention to ensure the safety of church leaders amid ongoing conflict, which has left over 11 million people displaced and resulted in tens of thousands of casualties. The reality in Sudan reflects a growing crisis where religious leaders advocating for peace now face existential threats.
Sudan has been embroiled in conflict since April 2023 between the SAF and the RSF, both vying for power post a coup that disrupted a transitional government. The ongoing violence has turned catastrophic, with devastating humanitarian impacts affecting millions. Religious freedom has deteriorated sharply, with Christians frequently targeted, despite initial improvements following the ousting of former leader Omar el Bashir in 2019. The situation has led to heightened risks for clergy, such as Bishop Tombe, who advocate for peace amidst instability. Their safety, along with that of the larger Christian community, is increasingly precarious.
In summary, the account provided by Bishop Yunan Tombe of the violence he faced underscores the perilous situation in Sudan, where religious leaders advocating for peace risk brutal retaliation from warring factions. The ongoing conflict not only highlights the desperate circumstances facing Sudanese civilians but also emphasizes the urgent need for international attention and support for the Christian community, which is currently experiencing targeted persecution. As calls for intervention grow louder among church leaders, the plight of the faithful in this strife-torn nation continues to deteriorate.
Original Source: cruxnow.com
