Father John Gbemboyo highlights the ongoing conflict in Sudan, where both military factions prioritize victory over peace negotiations. This ongoing violence, which has resulted in heavy civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis, complicates potential resolutions. The U.S. has raised concerns about possible genocide, urging a need for intervention. Meanwhile, the Catholic Church remains committed to advocating for peace and humanitarian aid.
Recent statements by Father John Gbemboyo, the Pastoral and Social Communication Coordinator of the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, emphasize the difficulty of achieving peace in Sudan. He attributes the ongoing conflict to both warring factions striving for complete victory, impeding any inclination towards negotiations. The recent random shelling in Omdurman resulted in significant civilian casualties, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis engulfing the nation.
The conflict, which escalated on April 15, 2023, pits the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Tensions, which began after the ousting of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, have led to a catastrophic fallout, including thousands of deaths, mass displacement, and severe hunger among the populace. Father Gbemboyo notes that humanitarian corridors necessary for aid delivery are virtually nonexistent.
With escalating violence, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that 25 million people require urgent humanitarian aid in Sudan. Reporting indicates extreme shortages of food, medicine, and water afflict over half of the population, exacerbating the already critical conditions. UNICEF Regional Director Edouard Beigbeder noted that children are particularly vulnerable, with cases of grave violations documented against them amid the fighting.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has suggested a potential genocide occurring in Sudan, pointing to deliberate actions by the RSF targeting particular ethnic groups. He stated, “Members of the RSF and allied militias have committed genocide in Sudan”—this underscores the urgent need for international intervention and protection of civilians. In the face of such violence, the Catholic Church maintains its commitment to life preservation.
Father Gbemboyo expressed deep concern for the extreme positions held by both factions, which hinder prospects for a negotiated resolution. He posited that a mindset of “victory or death” pervades, leading to further deterioration of the country. Despite these challenges, the Church remains dedicated to its peace-building efforts, continuously advocating for humanitarian assistance and an end to the conflict.
The situation in Sudan has escalated into a severe humanitarian crisis due to ongoing violence since April 2023. Warring factions, specifically the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, engage in brutal confrontations over power, disrupting efforts towards a peaceful resolution. The conflict has led to widespread displacement, a food crisis, and significant civilian casualties, drawing attention from global authorities regarding potential human rights violations.
The conflict in Sudan continues to intensify, as highlighted by Father John Gbemboyo’s remarks on the necessity of seeking peace amid a relentless struggle for power between military factions. Humanitarian efforts remain hindered, with millions in need of assistance. The international community is urged to intervene and uphold the protection of civilians amidst alarming reports of violence, including potential genocide. The Catholic Church’s steadfast commitment to advocating for peace serves as a beacon of hope during these challenging times.
Original Source: cruxnow.com
