Ian Woodward, Chair of the Sudans Committee writes:
Very sadly, there’s no escaping conflict in the lands of our partnership. Last week, a tragic milestone was reached, marking 1000 days of the conflict within Sudan. In April 2023, the Rapid Support Forces attacked the Government’s Sudan Armed Forces, including in Khartoum. The Salisbury Sudans partnership and churches from the ECS (Episcopal Church of Sudan) helped Archbishop Ezekiel Kondo escape his compound and cathedral in Khartoum as it was being bombed and re-established his family and staff in Port Sudan on the Red Sea.
Since then, Archbishop Ezekiel has continued to travel and minister to his people, including returning to Khartoum and other areas of intense fighting. Last November, he visited Salisbury and Bradford on Avon and briefed our Sudans Parliamentary Group in Westminster. Ceasefires between the RSF and SAF have come to nought. The worst fighting has been in the Darfur regions and particularly El Fasher and El Obeid. The consequences of these 1000 days of fighting are estimated to be at least 150,000 civilians killed, with UK and USA observers describing the deaths in Darfur as ‘ethnic cleansing’. Half the population of Sudan (25 million) require humanitarian assistance, and 12 million have been displaced to Chad, Egypt, South Sudan and elsewhere.
In South Sudan, conflicts and instability continue in all 10 states, often tribally based. We are seeking to help the SSCC (South Sudan Council of Churches) in a vitally important role in persuading everyone, especially Christian communities, to live in peace with each other.
Now this all sounds somewhat bleak – but please continue to support our partners in your prayers, and, through our education, health care, humanitarian aid and advocacy work, join us in supporting the Sudan and the South Sudan Churches.
The Salisbury Sudans Partnership want to thank all those who donated to the Nadiangere (South Sudan) Christmas appeal; in total, $20,000 USD was sent to provide immediate relief.
This appeal has now closed, but donations are always welcome to the work of the Salisbury Sudans Partnership. Click here to find out more.