Sudanese Catholic Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille Kuku Andali narrowly escaped execution while returning from a Eucharistic congress. He faced brutal treatment from paramilitary forces but attributes his survival to the prayers of the church. Amidst the ongoing civil war in Sudan, he expresses a commitment to stay with his faithful until it becomes impossible. The situation highlights the dire humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict between the military and RSF forces.
Sudanese Catholic Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille Kuku Andali of El Obeid shared a harrowing account of narrowly escaping execution in the context of the ongoing civil war between the Sudan Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). On December 2, he recounted a dangerous journey back to his diocese following his attendance at a Eucharistic congress in Juba, South Sudan, marking the 50th anniversary of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic bishops’ conference.
Bishop Andali detailed encountering both army and paramilitary forces during his travels, accompanied by a deacon named Joseph. At the RSF checkpoint, he experienced harsh treatment, suffering blows to his head and neck; yet he credited the protection afforded by church prayers for his survival. During this ordeal, he was initially detained by the army, where his money was confiscated under the pretension of it being “forbidden currency” before he was released. Soon afterward, he fell into the hands of the RSF, where he genuinely believed execution was imminent until a paramilitary leader intervened, ordering the release of the clergy.
The bishop has remained with his community, committed to providing spiritual support amidst the turmoil. He has indicated that he intends to stay with his parishioners until it becomes utterly untenable. Despite the grave situation resulting in approximately 61,000 deaths and significant displacements, the Catholic community in Sudan, which constitutes about 1.1 million individuals, continues to seek communion and resilience in their shared faith.
Additionally, the Sudan and South Sudan bishops expressed profound concern over the dire humanitarian crisis, insisting that the ongoing conflict must be condemned. Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla highlighted the urgency of collective survival and the need for the populace to reject violence and pursue unity in these challenging times.
The civil conflict in Sudan, ignited on April 15, 2023, resulted from escalating tensions between military leaders Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti. The situation has since worsened, leading to widespread violence, civilian displacements, and a humanitarian catastrophe affecting millions. Against this backdrop, religious leaders, particularly in the Catholic Church, play a pivotal role in providing pastoral care and fostering hope among the beleaguered population. Bishop Andali’s resilience exemplifies this commitment amidst the perilous circumstances faced by religious clergy in regions of high conflict.
In summary, Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille Kuku Andali’s testimony of his near-execution brings to light the severe realities faced by religious leaders in Sudan amidst ongoing warfare. His dedication to remain with his congregation reflects a broader commitment amongst clergy to provide spiritual support during these tumultuous times. The deteriorating humanitarian conditions call for immediate attention and action from both local and international communities to help alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.
Original Source: www.ncronline.org
