Peace in Sudan is hindered by both sides’ pursuit of total victory, according to Father John Gbemboyo of the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference. The ongoing conflict, erupting since April 2023, has caused widespread casualties and displacement. With a dire humanitarian situation, the Catholic Church emphasizes the need for peace and protection of civilians amidst the violence.
Finding peace in Sudan remains a daunting challenge as both conflicting factions prioritize overwhelming victory over diplomatic negotiations. Father John Gbemboyo, a representative of the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, expressed these views following recent shelling incidents in Omdurman that resulted in numerous casualties. The ongoing violence is a grim continuation of hostilities that erupted on April 15, 2023, when the Sudanese Armed Forces clashed with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which were once allies.
The conflict stems from a previous alliance between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the Armed Forces and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo of the RSF, who together led the ousting of former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Following the establishment of a Transitional Government, hopes for a democratic transition were dashed when both military leaders sidelined the government and battled for control and resources, worsening the crisis.
The violence has caused immense suffering, leading to thousands of casualties and displacing over 11.5 million people, with significant shortages of essential resources like food, medicine, and water. Father Gbemboyo highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis resulting from this ongoing conflict, noting the absence of safe routes for aid delivery. Reports indicate that half of Sudan’s population, around 25 million, urgently requires humanitarian assistance.
UNICEF has reported that children are particularly vulnerable, with widespread grave violations against them reported, such as killings and maiming during the conflict. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has raised concerns about possible genocidal acts committed by the Rapid Support Forces, citing targeted killings of specific ethnic groups, particularly women and girls.
The Catholic Church emphasizes its commitment to the preservation of human life as essential to its doctrine. Father Gbemboyo reiterated that protecting civilian lives, especially women and children, is fundamental for any leadership in Sudan, lamenting the militancy on both sides that undermines opportunities for peaceful settlements.
The Church continues to advocate for peace in Sudan, urging both national leaders and international bodies to promote an end to violence. Father Gbemboyo stated that the Bishops’ Conference has repeatedly called for an immediate halt to hostilities and seeks global assistance in resolving the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the country.
In recent years, Sudan has faced intense conflict between military factions, resulting in widespread humanitarian crises. The power struggle that began with the united ousting of President Omar al-Bashir has escalated into a disruptive struggle for resources and authority between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The situation has led to extreme civilian casualties and displacement, prompting international condemnation and concern over the potential for genocide, particularly against targeted ethnic groups. The Catholic Church plays a vital role in advocating for peace and humanitarian assistance amidst this turmoil.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan showcases the difficulty in achieving peace when both factions seek total victory rather than compromise. The humanitarian situation is catastrophic, necessitating urgent international support. The Catholic Church remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for peace and protect vulnerable civilians, continually calling for an end to the violence affecting millions. I urge leaders both within Sudan and the international community to prioritize negotiations for a sustainable resolution to the crisis.
Original Source: cruxnow.com
