By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
VATICAN
His Holiness Pope Francis I had called for ceasefire in war-stricken Sudan and Columbia.
The Pope launched an appeal during Angelus on Sunday, January 26. He said the conflict in Sudan is the most severe humanitarian crisis in the world.
“…the most severe humanitarian crisis in the world, with dramatic consequences even in South Sudan.” Pope Francis said.
The war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, stems from a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict erupted over disputes about integrating the RSF into the national army, derailing Sudan’s transition to civilian rule. Fighting has devastated the country, displacing millions, collapsing services, and creating a severe humanitarian crisis. Despite international calls for peace, violence continues, leaving Sudan in turmoil.
At least 70 people were killed after a drone strike targeted the last functioning hospital in the besieged capital of Sudan’s North Darfur state late Friday, prompting over one million people to flee to South Sudan for safety.
The Holy Father has invited warring parties in Sudan to stop fighting and sit down at the negotiating table, calling on the international community to support peace talks and facilitating humanitarian aid.
“I stand close to the people of both countries and invite them to fraternity, solidarity, to avoid all forms of violence, and not to allow themselves to be manipulated,” he said.
The Pope also expressed concern for the situation in Colombia’s Catatumbo region, where many civilians have been killed by clashes between armed groups, which have forced over 30,000 people from their homes.
“I express my closeness to them and pray,” he said.
He urged the international community to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to displaced people in both countries.
