Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille was violently attacked by Rapid Support Forces soldiers in Sudan on December 2 while returning from a Catholic event in South Sudan. He称 the experience a narrow escape from martyrdom. This event highlights the ongoing violence and crisis in the region, where clashes between different factions have led to widespread hardships for the population.
On December 2, Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille, the president of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference and bishop of the Diocese of El Obeid, was subjected to severe physical assault by soldiers from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. This incident occurred while he was returning from a Eucharistic Congress in Juba, South Sudan, where he had attended celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Catholic Church’s hierarchy in the region. The bishop’s narrow escape from what he termed “narrowly missed martyrdom” was halted only when a leader of the RSF intervened, declaring, “That is enough.”
While using public transport, Bishop Tombe Trille allegedly faced scrutiny at a military checkpoint, where he was initially stopped for carrying cash—common for travelers in the region. Although a small amount of money was taken from him, he was soon after confronted by RSF members, who accused him of affiliations with a member of the Sovereign Council and physically assaulted him due to his Nuba ethnicity, a group indigenous to the Nuba Mountains. In stark contrast, the bishop’s companion, a deacon of Nuer descent, did not experience any violence during this encounter.
This incident is not an isolated case for Bishop Tombe Trille, who has previously faced life-threatening situations amid the ongoing conflict that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF. The war has led to significant loss of life and disruption to humanitarian aid, with the United Nations warning of extreme hunger conditions in the affected areas. Bishop Remijo Adam from the Diocese of Wau remarked on Bishop Tombe Trille’s resilience, affirming his commitment to his community despite the continuous violence.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023 as a power struggle between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the SAF and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) of the RSF, has created a grave humanitarian crisis. The war has resulted in extensive civilian casualties, mass displacements, and the collapse of essential infrastructure, affecting agricultural production and leading to severe shortages of food and aid. The Catholic Church in Sudan and South Sudan has played a significant role in attempting to address the needs of the affected population. Bishop Tombe Trille’s recent experience highlights the dangers faced by religious leaders in conflict zones, illustrating the persistent risks amid ongoing hostilities.
In light of the recent attack on Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille by the RSF, it becomes evident that religious leaders are operating under extreme duress within regions plagued by violent conflict. As the humanitarian crisis in Sudan escalates, the courage of figures like Bishop Tombe Trille sheds light on the plight of many enduring hardship and violence. The unwavering commitment of such leaders to their congregations amid adversity provides a crucial support system in these tragic circumstances.
Original Source: aleteia.org
