Christians call on British government to assist end Sudan war

Christian groups were a part of a wider coalition delivering a petition to the federal government this week demanding that it take motion on the continuing Sudanese civil war.

This yr marked the seventieth anniversary of Sudanese independence. For 42 of those years Sudan has been in a single civil war or one other, not counting other conflicts, just like the Darfur crisis.

Wednesday marks three years for the reason that current civil war broke out. It is actually a battle between two formerly allied warlords. Both factions, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are believed to be receiving support from various foreign governments.

Anneliese Dodds MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Sudan and South Sudan, led the delivery of the petition to Downing Street.

She said, “This situation has gone beyond catastrophe, and the people of Sudan can’t wait any longer. The UK Government must use its position as United Nations Security Council penholder to indicate the leadership this crisis demands. That means acting now to guard civilians and ensure aid reaches those in desperate need.”  

The petition, which has been signed by over 40,000 people, demands that the British government use what influence it has to bring a couple of ceasefire and to do whatever is feasible to make sure the security of civilians and the protected provision of humanitarian aid.

The Christian organisations supporting the decision are CAFOD, Christian Aid, Tearfund, and World Vision.

The United Nations estimates that the conflict can be a significant reason for the 4.2 million cases of acute malnutrition expected in Sudan this yr.

In an open letter, Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille, from the Diocese of El Obeid in Sudan recognised the immense suffering faced by the people of Sudan.

“What began as a political and military struggle has grown into one among the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Millions have been displaced … communities once living side by side in peace now face hunger, fear, and uncertainty,” the bishop said.

“Essential services corresponding to schools, health facilities, and markets have been crippled. The wealthy social fabric of Sudan—woven from culture, faith, and variety—has been deeply wounded.

“Peace in Sudan won’t come through weapons or foreign interests, but through a deliberate, inclusive, and just process rooted within the dignity of each Sudanese person.”