Sudan, South Sudan: Christians fear violence as clashes continue

image: ACN

Fighting between northern and southern Sudan are having serious consequences on the Christian community living in Khartoum and other Sudanese areas, churches sources are reporting.

"During demonstrations to protest the occupation of Heglig by South Sudanese troops, the voice of extremists was heard, inciting people to attack Christian places of worship in the capital of Sudan" Fides has been told.

"A group of thugs tried to attack an Anglican church, but fortunately there have not been other episodes of violence."

According to reports from the site 'Sudan Tribune', a group of extremists led by Muhammad Abdel-Kareem, tried to march towards the Anglican Church of Sawafi, but was blocked by security forces before they could reach the place of worship.

"The situation now is a bit calmer, but still the problem of thousands of citizens, from southern Sudan, seeking to regularize their position in order to stay in Khartoum remains."

Meanwhile Heglig, a disputed area rich in oil, after being ocuppied since 10 April by South Sudanese troops, was captured by the Sudanese army on 20 April after heavy fighting.

In a statement, the Sudanese army claims to have killed 1,200 South Sudanese military, a figure that is currently not possible to verify. News reports show that oil installations in the area were heavily damaged.

Despite reclaiming Heglig, Sudanese aircraft continue to bomb border areas of South Sudan, in particular of Bentiu, the capital of Unity State.

Archbishop Paulino Lukudu Loro, Archbishop of Juba, capital of South Sudan expressed concern that there are continuous troop movements near the border. He said: "The southern Sudanese government has mobilized more troops to be sent to the border. There are movements of soldiers around Juba. Our government is concerned about the safety of the South Sudanese citizens, while the same southern Sudanese are upset with the irresponsible speeches by President Bashir of Sudan."

President Omar al Bashir, visiting Heglig, said: "No'' negotiation with these people. With them we only negotiate with rifles and bullets."

According to Mgr Lukudu Loro "the people of South Sudan do not want war. This is an economic conflict for the control of oil. South Sudan is ready to reach an agreement with Sudan on oil. But what has disappointed the southern Sudanese is the attitude of the UN, of the African Union and other Western countries on the issue of Heglig. In my opinion, these organizations have made premature statements without knowing the reality. In particular, we must understand exactly where Heglig is: is it in South Sudan or Sudan? Representatives of these international institutions must go there to clarify this point, to demarcate precisely the boundary between the two countries" said the Archbishop.

Finally, he expressed concern for civilians fleeing the fighting. He said: "The humanitarian situation is worsening because the rainy season has started, making it very difficult to carry out rescue operations to the people fleeing the fighting areas."

In the city of Juba, there are serious problems in the delivery of electricity and other essential services. But the people are trying to help their brothers and sisters in need," concluded Archbishop of Juba.

Source: Fides