SCIAF calls for prayers for a peaceful Sudan

The future peace and development of South Sudan hangs in the balance as the region gained independence from Sudan on 9th July whilst fighting rages in the border area of South Kordofan.

South Sudan face uncertain times (Photo: Simon Murphy)

Last month over 100,000 people were displaced from the oil-rich border region of Abyei when northern troops took control of the area, and a further 70,000 people are estimated to have been displaced in neighbouring South Kordofan where heaving fighting is continuing.

Caritas Internationalis has warned that conflict in Sudan's Nuba Mountains (in South Kordofan) and Abyei risks spiralling into a full-blown major humanitarian emergency.

They have called for all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire and allow access to the UN and international NGOs.

Cardinal Keith Patrick O'Brien, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SCIAF, has called for the Catholic community and all people of faith, to dedicate their prayers to the peaceful future of the long-suffering peoples of Sudan.

"I know from visit to Sudan with SCIAF that the war between the north and south, which lasted 21 years and took the lives of 1.5 million people, has had a terrible impact on the population.

"It is vital that there is a peaceful transition to independence for South Sudan and that the forces of the north and south agree to an immediate ceasefire in the border areas. Only with peace, can the long-suffering people of Sudan hope to develop their new relationship as neighbours.

"It is only when the violence stops that societies can really lift their people out of poverty. I would call on the Catholic community and people of all faiths to pray that Sudan can leave its history of bloody violence behind and move on to a peaceful and prosperous future."

SCIAF helps the most vulnerable in South Sudan (Photo: Simon Murphy)

SCIAF has been working with Caritas Internationalis to support tens of thousands of south Sudanese who are returning to the region following January's referendum which saw 99 percent of the population vote for independence from the rest of Sudan.

SCIAF has also worked with Radio Bakhita, a radio station set up by the Bishops' Conference of Sudan in the south's capital city of Juba, to promote civic education and the peaceful resolution of conflict.

January's referendum signalled the culmination of of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005 which brought an end to the war which started in 1983. SCIAF's longer term development work in South Sudan also includes helping people with disabilities and women and children affected by domestic violence.

The official aid agency of the Catholic Church in Scotland opened it's first overseas office in Juba, the capital of South Sudan in 2007, to help increase the support it is able to provide to the most vulnerable members of society.

You can support the work of SCIAF in Sudan and across the globe by donating today. Please give what you can

SCIAF

Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund

SCIAF calls for prayers for a peaceful Sudan