AMECEA: Chairman Asks Bishops for Collective Prayers for Peace, Reconciliation in Sudan
AMECEA Chairman Bishop Charles Sampa Kasonde
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
The Chairman for the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) region has called upon the member conferences to present the north-eastern African country of Sudan before the Lord so peace and reconciliation can reign.
“In solidarity with the suffering Church and people of Sudan, I humbly appeal to you and all the bishops of your conference to dedicate special prayers for peace and reconciliation in Sudan. Let us ask for God’s intervention to end this war, heal the wounds of division, and restore harmony to this troubled nation,” Bishop Charles Sampa Kasonde shared in his message addressed to the leadership of conferences in the AMECEA region.
The appeal comes following a recent attack on Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille Kuku of El-Obeid Diocese and a deacon who were seriously injured by the Rapid Forces.
“We are deeply troubled by the news that His Grace the Archbishop of Khartoum (Archbishop Michael Didi Adgum Mangoria) remains unable to reside in his Archdiocese due to the war,” Bishop Kasonde of Solwezi Diocese, Zambia narrated in his Tuesday, December 3, message.
He then disclosed, “We recently learned of the harrowing ordeal faced by the Bishop of El Obeid and the deacon who accompanied him, both of whom were harassed, physically assaulted, and injured while returning to their diocese. We thank God for sparing their lives, but their suffering underscores the urgent need for our collective prayers and support.”
In his appeal, the Chairman of the AMECEA region expressed his emotional weight of sadness and sorrow regarding the conflict saying, “I write to you with a heavy heart concerning the ongoing war in Sudan, which has caused immense suffering, loss of lives, and displacement of countless people.”
He continued, “Many families have been forced to flee their homes, with a significant number now living as refugees in neighbouring countries. The Catholic Church, though a minority in Sudan with only two dioceses, has not been spared.”
The over-one-year protracted conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Since then, various actors across the globe have been collaborating toward the realization of a sustainable solution for the country with minimal results.
Late last year, Bishop Kasonde had appealed for the end of political strife and smuggling of migrants saying, “We are affected by the suffering of our brothers and sisters in war-torn countries; today, we are talking of Sudan…there are pockets of infighting among our people, we can do better and live in ambiance under the blessings of our God who wants us to live in peace.”
He added, “We must stand together to prevent further tragedies and foster a future where the harmonious melody of peace drowns out the dissonance of conflict.”
In his Tuesday message, Bishop Bishop Kasonde asked the member conferences in the region to “entrust the Bishops, clergy, religious, and the entire population of Sudan to the loving care of our Mother Mary,” pleading that “Our united prayers may be a source of strength and hope for them (the people of Sudan) during these trying times.”
