In South Sudan conflict, churches attacked, looted

[hrmjustin]

Fredrick Nzwili

(RNS) African church leaders are urging parties in the South Sudanese conflict to respect places of worship, after rebels attacked and looted church compounds in the town of Malakal.

The Roman Catholic Cathedral of Malakal was looted at gunpoint, forcing priests and civilians to flee, a regional church leader said.

Catholic and Presbyterian churches, a hospital and an orphanage have become safe havens for refugees escaping the fighting in the city.

“I came to know myself what it means to be asked for something under the threat of a gun when a group in uniform stopped me on the way from the hospital to the church,” said one Catholic priest, who did not give his name because he fears for his safety. “They blocked me and took my watch and a key.”

http://www.religionnews.com/2014/01/29/south-sudan-conflict-churches-attacked-looted/

[cbayer]

1. Horribly tragic.

When people can't seek refuge in their churches, hospitals and orphanages, the world needs to pay more attention.

[hrmjustin]

2. Agreed!

[rug]

3. The war has been going on for nearly 60 years.

Since gaining independence from Britain and Egypt in 1956, Sudan has experienced more years of conflict than peace.

These conflicts, fought between the Sudanese government and movements arising within Sudan, are commonly rooted in the exploitative leadership of the Government of Sudan, and the unequal distribution of power and wealth among the Sudanese population. These internal tensions drove the country's decades-long civil war, which led to South Sudan’s secession from Sudan on July 9, 2011. These same tensions continue to underlie current conflicts in Darfur, eastern Sudan, South Kordofan, and Blue Nile.

Today, conflict related to Sudan can be viewed through three lenses: conflicts within Sudan, conflicts within South Sudan, and the outstanding political, legal, and economic issues between the two countries. Each of these lenses must be fully considered to understand the factors underlying conflict within and between the two Sudans.

http://www.enoughproject.org/conflicts/sudans