Civilians killed in fighting in southern Sudan

LONDON, May 6, 2004 (Christian Aid) — During April more than twenty villages were destroyed, several hundred civilians killed and approximately 120,000 people forced to flee their homes, around Malakal region on the west bank of the Nile, southern Sudan.

The fighting between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and the Sudanese government violates the recent ceasefire agreement signed by both parties, as part of the ongoing peace process.

Christian Aid partner, the Episcopal Church of Sudan said, in a statement, that militia groups supported by the government had deliberately attacked the Shilluk people in the Collo villages of the Malakal region, burning homes and shooting anyone not able to escape.

Rt. Revd Daniel Deng from the Episcopal Church of Sudan visited the region in early April: He said 22 villages were burnt down in two weeks. ‘While this took place, the whole town was watching across the river. In full view, the militia were going around with guns shooting people. Soldiers were there just watching as if there were at a football match.’

Many of those forced out of their homes are now in Malakal town which is becoming overcrowded. Food is in short supply, health and sanitation facilities are limited. With the rains expected soon, the situation can only get worse.

Christian Aid shares the concerns of church leaders in Sudan who have called on the Sudanese government and the SPLA to commit themselves sincerely to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement which they have just renewed, and stop the fighting immediately.