Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille was severely beaten by Rapid Support Forces in Sudan while returning from a Eucharistic Congress. He reported a near martyrdom experience, illustrating the dangers faced by clergy in the ongoing conflict between military factions. The situation reflects a broader humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with the Church playing a vital role in community support.
Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille, the president of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, endured a severe beating at the hands of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on December 2 while returning from a Eucharistic Congress. The bishop reported the incident in a message to his colleagues, stating, “We narrowly missed martyrdom.” This attack occurred during an ongoing conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which has lasted nearly two years, resulting in significant violence and displacement in the region.
The 60-year-old bishop had just attended a significant event in South Sudan that commemorated 50 years of the Catholic Church’s presence in the region. Following the Congress, Bishop Tombe Trille was traveling from Renk to El Obeid when he was stopped by military personnel at a checkpoint. After a brief encounter where he lost some money, he faced violent aggression from the RSF, who accused him of being associated with a political figure and targeted him for his Nuba ethnicity. Fortunately, intervention from a commanding officer halted the assault before more severe consequences ensued.
This violent incident is not an isolated event for Bishop Tombe Trille. He has narrowly escaped death on multiple occasions during this conflict, including a rocket attack on a church. The war, which began in April 2023 due to power struggles between military factions, has devastated Sudan, leading to a humanitarian crisis characterized by widespread hunger and disruption of essential services. Despite the ongoing violence, Bishop Remijo Adam noted the bishop’s unwavering commitment to remain with his community amidst these challenges.
The conflict in Sudan originated in April 2023, involving a power struggle primarily between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the SAF and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, leader of the RSF. This strife has led to catastrophic humanitarian consequences, including tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions. It has also severely impoverished food supplies and disrupted agricultural production, exacerbating hunger in a region already dealing with economic instability. The Catholic Church plays a vital role in offering support and guidance within this turmoil, as exemplified by the ongoing dedication of bishops and clergy like Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille.
The severe beating of Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille by the Rapid Support Forces highlights the grim reality faced by religious leaders amidst the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Despite the dangers, the bishop exhibits steadfastness in his mission to support his flock. This incident underscores the complexities of the humanitarian crisis in the region, driven by political strife that has led to widespread suffering and instability. The commitment of clergy members remains crucial as they navigate these perilous circumstances, advocating for peace and aid for those affected by the conflict.
Original Source: aleteia.org
