Sudanese Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille Beaten by RSF Soldiers Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille was severely beaten by Rapid Support Forces soldiers in Sudan shortly after attending a Eucharistic Congress. He narrowly escaped what he described as martyrdom. The ongoing conflict in the region has resulted in widespread violence and humanitarian crises, with Bishop Trille committed to supporting his congregation despite the risks.

Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille, the head of the Diocese of El Obeid and president of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, was brutally beaten by soldiers from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on December 2, following a Eucharistic Congress in South Sudan. Bishop Trille remarked, “We narrowly missed martyrdom,” indicating the severity of the assault, which ceased when a RSF leader intervened. The conflict in Sudan has been ongoing for nearly two years, pitting the RSF against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in a power struggle that has resulted in extensive casualties and humanitarian crises. Bishop Trille, who had just attended a historic church event, was targeted due to his ethnicity and was accused of having ties to a political figure. His resolve to remain with his congregation amidst these conflicts has been commended by his peers.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, stems from a struggle for power between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the Sudanese Armed Forces and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the commander of the Rapid Support Forces. This turmoil has led to significant loss of life, with tens of thousands dead and millions displaced. Furthermore, it has crippled vital infrastructure and agricultural production, leaving much of the population facing extreme hunger. The Catholic Church in the region, represented by leaders like Bishop Tombe Trille, has been caught in the turmoil, with clergy members frequently facing threats and violence.

The assault on Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille is indicative of the broader dangers facing religious leaders and civilians amidst Sudan’s protracted conflict. His determination to remain with his flock, despite such severe risks, reflects the unwavering commitment of the church to support its community during these challenging times. The violence inflicted upon him, rooted in ethnic discrimination and political strife, highlights the urgent need for resolution and peace in Sudan.

Original Source: aleteia.org