Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille Kuku Andali of El Obeid narrowly escaped execution while returning to his diocese after attending a Eucharistic congress. He was confronted by both the Sudan Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces during his journey, suffering violence before being miraculously freed. The ongoing civil war has created a severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with millions in need of aid.
Sudanese Catholic Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille Kuku Andali of El Obeid recently shared his harrowing experience of narrowly escaping execution in war-torn Sudan. After attending a Eucharistic congress in Juba, South Sudan, he was ambushed by both the Sudan Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as he returned to his diocese. During the ordeal, he was subjected to violence by the RSF before being saved by an unexpected intervention from a leader of the paramilitary group. Bishop Andali remains committed to his congregation, emphasizing the dire humanitarian situation as the 16-month conflict continues to take a devastating toll on the Sudanese population.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has ravaged the country since April 15, 2023, stems from escalating tensions between the military and paramilitary factions. The conflict has disproportionately affected civilians, leading to significant loss of life and widespread displacement. As of December 2023, millions are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Amidst this turmoil, the Catholic community, which constitutes about 1.1 million individuals in a predominantly Muslim nation, continues to face hardship, with clergy striving to maintain their presence and provide spiritual support to their followers.
The situation in Sudan remains critical, with the civil war leading to immense suffering among civilians and a dire need for humanitarian intervention. Bishop Andali’s survival is a testament to resilience in the face of violence. His commitment to remain with his congregation during such challenging times reflects the broader struggle of faith leaders in conflict zones. Urgent international attention is required to address the humanitarian crisis and facilitate peace talks to end the ongoing violence.
Original Source: www.ncronline.org
