Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille Kuku Andali recounts a brutal attack by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on November 30, after returning from a church event in South Sudan. The bishop detailed severe beatings by the RSF and highlighted the growing persecution of Christians amid ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in over 61,000 deaths and severe humanitarian crises.
In a harrowing account, Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille Kuku Andali of the El-Obeid Diocese in North Kordofan, Sudan, detailed the brutal assault he experienced at the hands of Sudan’s conflicting military groups – the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The assault occurred on November 30, after the bishop and a church deacon, Joseph, were returning from South Sudan where they had participated in a Eucharistic Congress. The SAF first apprehended them, taking some cash from the bishop on the pretext of holding forbidden currency. Subsequently, they fell into the custody of the RSF, who subjected Bishop Andali to severe physical violence.
Bishop Andali’s testimony described the ordeal of being struck with heavy blows to his head and face, rendering him unable to eat. He remarked on the near brush with martyrdom when an RSF leader ordered the violence to cease. The bishop’s experiences are part of an ongoing pattern of violence and persecution targeting clergy and Christians in Sudan, underlined by the destructive power struggle between the SAF and RSF that has claimed over 61,000 lives since 2023. Other church leaders, including Bishop Matthew Remijo Adam, expressed deep sorrow over the violence and lamented the situation of Christians in Sudan. He urged President Salva Kiir to ensure the bishop’s safety and called for prayers for the Church and all clergy in perilous conditions.
This conflict has not only exacerbated humanitarian crises—with more than 11 million people displaced—but has also intensified the persecution of Christians, whose safety and freedom have been increasingly jeopardized since the October 2021 military coup. Following the loss of previous gains in religious freedom post-Bashir’s regime, Christians now find themselves in dire circumstances. This situation raises serious concerns for around 2 million Christians residing in Sudan, as state-sponsored persecution resurfaces amidst the ongoing chaos. Bishop Tombe’s recent attack serves as a stark reminder of the grave risks faced by religious leaders in a time of turmoil.
The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to widespread violence and humanitarian crises in Sudan since 2023. Recent civil unrest has dramatically impacted religious freedom in the country, resulting in increased persecution of Christians and making Sudan the eighth most difficult country for Christians globally. Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille Kuku Andali has been a prominent voice advocating for peace amidst the chaos, yet he has repeatedly faced life-threatening violence due to his religious leadership and advocacy. Since the military coup in October 2021, which dismantled the transitional government formed after the ousting of Omar el Bashir in 2019, the situation for Christians in Sudan has deteriorated markedly. Previous strides made toward religious freedom have been erased, leading to fears for the safety of millions of Christian adherents in the country. As the conflict escalates and internal strife continues, the risks to clergy and faithful remain alarming.
The recent assault on Bishop Yunan Tombe highlights the acute dangers faced by religious leaders in Sudan, caught in the crossfire of military factions battling for power. Amidst a backdrop of humanitarian crisis and persecution, the bishop’s testimony underscores the urgent need for international intervention and support for the protection of Christians in Sudan. With over 11 million displaced and state-sponsored persecution resurfacing, the call for unity, prayer, and action from the global Christian community remains paramount in safeguarding the lives and freedoms of Sudanese Christians.
Original Source: cruxnow.com
