Immediate Global intervention needed to avoid further bloodshed
By Arun Kumar Shrivastav
Sudan's interim leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has promised to protect its Christian minority amid growing violence against them. In a meeting with Christian leaders in Khartoum, Burhan pledged to ensure their safety and the rebuilding of churches that had been destroyed during the country's civil war. He also condemned the previous attack on a church in the capital by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) members. This paramilitary group has been accused of carrying out human rights abuses.
Recently, there have been reports of increased violence against Christians in Sudan. This has led to fears that the conflict in the country could take on a sectarian dimension. As a result, Christian leaders have called on the government to do more to protect them and to bring those responsible for the attacks to justice.
The attack on the church occurred during a ceasefire between government forces and rebel groups in Sudan's Darfur region. The ceasefire was due to end on May 8th, 2023, but was extended for another 72 hours. However, fighting between government forces and rebels continued in other parts of the region such as the Nuba Mountains region.
Amid all the conflict, Actress Asia Abdelmajid has been killed in cross-fire in Khartoum, as fighting continues in the city despite a ceasefire agreement. She was born in 1943, was one of Sudan's first theatre stars, and was considered a stage pioneer. Her family says she was buried within hours of her shooting on the grounds of a kindergarten where she worked.
Her death is just one of many of those still in the city paying with their lives as the fighting continues to rage. Paramilitary soldiers of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the army continue to battle. Although a new seven-day truce has been agreed, observers are skeptical about its longevity, given that previous ceasefires have broken down. Meanwhile, citizens face the ongoing terror of rockets, airstrikes, and looting, and many have been forced to flee.
In a news briefing on May 8th, 2023, the US State Department echoed its concern over the situation in Sudan and urged all parties to respect the ceasefire. The department's spokesperson, Ned Price, stated that the US closely monitored the status and remained committed to supporting a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The conflict in Sudan began in 2013 when rebels in the Darfur region took up arms against the government. The competition has since spread to other parts of the country, including the Nuba Mountains and the Blue Nile state. The war has resulted in the displacement of millions of people and the deaths of thousands.
The Sudanese government has engaged in peace talks with rebel groups to resolve the conflict. As a result, on May 3rd, 2023, a ceasefire was announced between the government and rebel groups in the Darfur region, which was later extended for another 72 hours. The truce was intended to allow humanitarian aid to be delivered to the area and for peace talks to continue.
The ceasefire has brought some relief to the people of Darfur, who have suffered greatly during the conflict. However, many have been forced to flee their homes and live in displacement camps, lacking necessities and the risk of disease outbreaks.
Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high in Sudan. For example, on May 7th, 2023, clashes between government forces and rebels were reported in the Nuba Mountains region. The clashes resulted in the deaths of several people, including civilians.
The involvement of paramilitary groups, such as the RSF, has further complicated the situation in Sudan. These troops have been accused of human rights abuses, including the forced displacement of civilians, rape, and murder.
The international community has been expressing concern over the situation in Sudan. The United Nations has urged for an end to the violence and for all parties to engage in peace talks. The UN has also urged the Sudanese government to protect civilians, including the country's Christian minority.
The situation in Sudan remains tense, and the international community continues to monitor the status closely. The conflict has caused great suffering for the people of Sudan, and there is a pressing need for a peaceful resolution. The government and rebel groups must work together to find a way to end the conflict and allow the people of Sudan to rebuild their lives.
(IPA Service)
