Sudan: Young Christians in fear of abduction by militia

Bishop Daniel Adwok Kur

Fear of abduction is spreading in Sudan amid a spate of kidnappings by militia who are targeting minority groups in the hunt for new soldiers. Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Adwok Kur of Khartoum reported that since November there has been an upsurge of abductions in which young men have been taken - sometimes snatched from their homes at night.

He said the young men, many of them university students, are being forced to fight the Government of South Sudan and the South Sudan-based Sudanese People's Liberation Army (SPLA). In an interview with Aid to the Church in Need, Bishop Adwok said the problem of kidnappings had worsened considerably and that Christians felt particularly at risk as many belong to the South Sudan tribes targeted by the militia.

Speaking on Thursday, (9 February) from Kosti, south of Khartoum, Bishop Adwok said the fear of being abducted was deterring youngsters from attending liturgical celebrations on Sundays and feast days.

He said concern about kidnappings was threatening to "overshadow" the annual celebrations of Saint Josephine Bakhita, Sudan's national saint, whose festivities were transferred to Friday, 10 February, the equivalent of Sunday, in a country run in accordance with Shari'a law.

Bishop Adwok said: "The situation with the militia groups is becoming difficult especially for those who are preparing to return to their homeland [in South Sudan].

"The militia seem to have the upper hand. They can do whatever they want and the government will not stop them or oppose what they are doing."

The bishop was speaking after the release of two priests, Father Joseph Makwey and Father Sylvester Mogga, who were abducted by militia from their parish of Saint Josephine Bakhita, in Rabak, the parish neighbouring him in Kosti.

Bishop Adwok explained that the two priests, who were held for two weeks beginning on 15 January, were beaten by men wielding a "metal instrument". The militia holding them demanded a ransom of 500,000 Sudanese pounds, a sum the Church refused to pay. Under pressure from the government in Khartoum and other influential bodies, the priests were released and were sent to hospital for health checks to be followed by therapy and rest.

Bishop Adwok said the Church was putting pressure on the militia to return two Toyota pick-ups they took from Rabak parish. He said clergy and lay people were increasingly frightened about the threat of abduction.

"People are uncertain about the future. The pressure is greater than it was a year ago. There are more abductions now than in the past. People from the south [tribes based in South Sudan] and people from Southern Kordofan area are at risk of abduction. Such tribes include many Christians.

"Those who are abducted and who are found to be unable to join the military are asked to pay money to bail themselves out."

Source: ACN