Ian Woodward, Chair of the Salisbury Sudans partnership writes this update on the second Thursday of the continuing crisis in Sudan.
"We are on the brink of the American brokered 72 hour ceasefire collapsing or, if the joining of the African Union in these talks works, there just might be a chance of finding common ground to work towards a sustainable peace.
"Unfortunately the prospects so far are not very promising. We continue to pray urgently for peace.
"I was able to speak to Archbishop Ezekiel again on Wednesday. He reports that the ceasefire has meant the past two days have been calmer as they are not being attacked but thousands of people are fleeing Khartoum, some to borders to the South and some towards Egypt and westwards to Chad and the Central African Republic. This means the conflict has very quickly become a regional issue given for example that South Sudan’s oil has to be piped to Port Sudan to be refined. The consequences of disruption to that arrangement could spark another economic and humanitarian crisis.
"Archbishop Ezekiel says they have some food in the form of sorghum and water but supplies are limited because of looting of grocery shops. Most of the hospitals are closed or have run out of essential supplies and access to the internet is infrequent.
"The All Party Parliamentary Group on the Sudans met in Parliament yesterday for a long planned review of the Darfur genocide and the current crisis in Sudan including Darfur gave the gathering a greater sense of urgency and topicality and their report* (hyperlink) gives insightful recommendations that addresses the ongoing catastrophe in Sudan. Speakers included Peers and MPs as well as Sudanese people who had experienced the fragility of life in Darfur and Khartoum as well as Foreign Office Minister Andrew Mitchell, and Bob Fairweather the PM’s envoy and Head of the Sudans Unit with whom the Salisbury Sudans Partnership works closely."
Please pray the prayer below for our brothers and sisters in Sudan. The Sudans partnership is actively fundraising for Sudan. Its next event is on the 25 June at Bishop Stephen home in the Close in Salisbury. All are welcome and more information to follow.
A Prayer for Sudan
God our Father,
whose son Jesus Christ wept over your people, because they knew not the way of peace and were as sheep without a shepherd; hear our prayer for the all the people of Sudan. Turn the hearts of their leaders to reconciliation and peace. Bless Archbishop Ezekiel, his bishops and clergy that they may have the strength and support to be true shepherds of your people in the midst of war. Strengthen those who seek to bring peace, who heal the sick and feed the starving and hasten the time when all nations will own your just and gentle rule and receive your gift of peace.
Amen