Churches fear new war in Sudan, South Sudan

image: ACN

Church sources in South Sudan have expressed grave concern that a new war will break out in the region soon unless the UN intervene. Tension between Sudan and South Sudan is rising after the occupation of Heglig, oil area claimed by both States, by the troops of South Sudan, and Khartoum's air force raids on some parts of South Sudan. Another dispute is over Abyei, an area also rich in oil on the border of the two States.

"Yesterday in Malakal, as in other cities in southern Sudan, there was a demonstration of the population in favour of the SPLA (southern Sudan's army) and occupation by troops of Juba of Heglig" Fides reports. "The population seems to be compact and united behind the government: in almost every city of South Sudan letters have been written to be delivered to the representatives of the UN Mission in Sudan to protest the request made by UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon to the Southern Sudan President, Salva Kiir, to withdraw troops from Heglig."

"One does not hear critical voices with regards to the occupation on behalf of the SPLA of Heglig, but one must keep in mind that South Sudan lives in an authoritarian regime, so if someone were to openly oppose the government policy, they would have some risks. The regime of Khartoum is no less oppressive, and has mobilized the population in view of an open conflict with the South. Only a decisive intervention of the international community can stop the war ", say the Fides sources.

The US government has sent an emissary to try to defuse tension between the two countries, while the African Union has launched an appeal asking Juba and Khartoum to withdraw their troops from Abyei.

Source: Fides