Bishop Yunan Tombe of the El-Obeid Diocese in Sudan recounts a brutal assault by military factions while returning from South Sudan. He experienced physical abuse from the Rapid Support Forces following an initial encounter with the Sudanese Armed Forces. The incident highlights the escalating violence against Christians in Sudan amid ongoing conflicts, as reflected in appeals for protection and calls for peace by church leaders.
In a recent harrowing testimony, Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille Kuku Andali of El-Obeid Diocese in Sudan described an assault he endured on November 30 at the hands of soldiers from Sudan’s warring factions, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). While returning from the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Catholic Church hierarchy in South Sudan, Bishop Tombe and a church deacon were first accosted by SAF, who confiscated cash from the bishop under false pretenses. Subsequently, they were captured by the RSF, where the bishop suffered severe physical violence, leaving him unable to eat solid food and narrowly escaping death when the assault was ordered to stop.
Bishop Matthew Remijo Adam of Wau expressed sorrow over the shocking attack, stating, “We are deeply saddened and troubled by this news,” and strongly condemned the violence. He urged President Salva Kiir Mayardit to ensure the safety of Bishop Tombe or facilitate his relocation if necessary. The ongoing conflict in Sudan between the SAF and RSF has resulted in significant casualties, displacing over 11 million individuals due to the power struggle. Bishop Tombe has previously survived similar threats related to his advocacy for peace, including a missile strike near his residence earlier this year.
Sudan, currently ranked eighth on the Open Doors World Watch List for Christian persecution, faces increasing hostility towards its Christian population since the onset of conflict in 2023. Following the ouster of Omar el Bashir in 2019, there were initial improvements in religious freedoms, but the October 25 military coup reinstated severe risks for Christians. This environment of instability poses a profound threat to approximately 2 million Christians within the nation, a stark reminder of the dire humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing violence.
The situation in Sudan has drastically deteriorated since the outbreak of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in 2023. The warfare has been characterized by severe humanitarian consequences, including a high death toll and widespread displacement of civilians. Religious leaders, particularly within the Christian community, have come under attack, reflecting an alarming trend of persecution amid the struggle for power in the region. Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille Kuku Andali has been a vocal advocate for peace and has faced danger multiple times, highlighting the perilous environment for clergy in Sudan.
The brutal assault on Bishop Yunan Tombe exemplifies the tragic consequences of ongoing violence in Sudan and reflects a broader crisis threatening the safety of religious leaders and Christians in the country. With violent conflicts claiming thousands of lives and displacing millions, urgent efforts are needed from both national and international authorities to protect vulnerable populations. The recent testimonies and expressions of solidarity from fellow bishops illustrate the pressing need for collective prayer and action to safeguard peace and religious freedom in Sudan.
Original Source: cruxnow.com
