Sudan's bishops lament 'immense suffering' due to war

By Linda Bordoni 

“We cannot distance ourselves” from what is happening in Sudan since war erupted in the country in April 2023 say the Catholic Bishops of Sudan who describe “horrendous war crimes and human rights abuses committed by both sides.

In a statement issued by the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference following a meeting that concluded on Saturday in Juba, the bishops appeal for a stop to the war, for the delivery of humanitarian assistance, advocacy for peace and preparation for post-conflict rehabilitation, reconstruction and trauma healing.

15 months of war

The power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted into a large-scale conflict in April last year. Conservative estimates say the conflict has killed at least 15,500 people, while some estimates are as high as 150,000

Before the conflict, Sudan was already experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis with almost 16 million people in need of humanitarian aid. Now, there are 25 million people - more than half of Sudan’s population - in need, including some 12 million who have been displaced from their homes - and who are reportedly subjected to abuse in total disregard for Humanitarian Law.

Disbelieving levels of violence and hatred 

The Sudanese bishops write that “The fabric of Sudanese society has been torn apart, with people shocked, traumatized, and disbelieving about the level of violence and hatred.”

“This is not simply a war between two generals,” the statement continues, noting that “the military has inextricably embedded itself in the economic life of the country, and both SAF and RSF each have a network of wealthy elite Sudanese and international individuals and cartels who benefit from their control of various sectors of the economy.”

Apart from what the bishops describe as “horrendous war crimes and human rights abuses committed by both sides”, they highlight how the people are suffering a catastrophic humanitarian disaster in a context in which “there is not even a clue to the light of peace dialogue that can bring hope for the Sudanese.”

Expressing their concern that the leaders of the warring sides are not ready for peace, the prelates say the “time has come for them to “think of the people and nation” noting that “the more people get scattered, the more hatred grows among various Sudanese ethnic groups.”

Gratitude for Pope's appeals and concern

In the statement penned by the joint Sudanese and South Sudanese Bishops’ Conference, the members express gratitude to Pope Francis for having repeatedly expressed his concern about Sudan and its neighbour and for his appeals for peace and the protection of refugees.

Raising their voice to condemn the atrocities perpetrated against innocent civilians in Sudan, they write: “We condemn the killing, raping, and looting of civilians by any side, and we call for accountability for their crimes,” and joining the Pope’s plea for peace and dialogue, they launch an appeal to those engaged in fighting “to lay down their arms and enter into meaningful peace negotiations.”