Sudanese bishop urges Obama to save lives in Blue Nile, Nuba Mountains

September 15, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – A Sudanese bishop has written to United States president Barack Obama, calling for prompt actions to save lives of those still alive in the country’s Nuba mountains, Blue Nile and Darfur regions.

The letter by Rev. Andudu Adam Elnail, the bishop of Kadugli diocese, is the second in a series of calls for tough actions against the Sudanese regime.

The cleric, in his 6 September letter, also reminded world leaders not to only focus on the Syrian conflict, but pay more attention to the wars in various part of Sudan.

The North African country, he said, is currently plagued by “government-sponsored crimes against humanity”, which deserves the attention of the US leader.

“As a victim and survivor of genocide, I would like to remind your respected office that great effort is needed to end the deaths and displacement and restore peace to our community, which has suffered for so many years,” the bishop’s letter reads in part.

“Our people feel as though the world has forgotten them. We wonder why you [Obama] have not acted to end our people’s suffering or that of the people of Darfur, who are still suffering and whose plight is getting worse,” it adds.

In the past two years, Andudu, a renowned peace advocate, has testified before committees of the US Congress and briefed United Nations commissions on the conflict in Sudan.

“We continue to be bombed from the air daily. Bombs land on farms and schools, churches and mosques, clinics and markets. Innocent civilians, women and children, are killed carrying on their daily lives”, the letter, extended to Sudan Tribune, says.

“Those who survive live in constant fear and for two years they have lived in caves in the mountains”.

The bishop, in his missive, also deplores the conditions of people living in the war-affected Sudanese territories, citing starvation in Kao Nyaro and Warni areas of the Nuba Mountains.

“If the political situation is not addressed and aid is not delivered to the people immediately, the catastrophe will grow until it is too late”, the cleric warned.

Meanwhile, Andudu urged Donald Booth, the newly appointed US envoy to Sudan and South Sudan to develop a new pro-democracy and civilian protection-oriented policy on Sudan.

(ST)