Hundreds of people have been killed and many more have been injured – and the numbers are still increasing. Three UN employees were also killed, two others were seriously injured. A passenger jet was shot at Khartoum airport.
Violence in Sudan: ZOA supports refugees
Sudan has been shaken by an outbreak of violence. Dozens of people have been killed; hundreds have been injured. Sudan has been shaken by an outbreak of violence. Dozens of people have been killed; hundreds have been injured. In the relatively safe eastern part of the country, ZOA employees are busy supporting refugees from the capital, Khartoum.
19 april 2023
ZOA-employees in Sudan:
'We hear shots from all sides'
Rival groups within the national army are particularly fighting for control of the capital, Khartoum. But fierce battles are also raging in other places. “There is constant fighting going on,” says ZOA country director Harmen Sas.
Tensions
According to Harmen, tensions had been building for weeks between the regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). On Thursday, the army said the RSF was illegally moving troops to strategic locations in and around the capital. That created even more tensions. "But I didn't expect this outburst of violence to happen so quickly," Harmen says.
Staff
The people of Sudan yearn for peace. The inhabitants have been struggling with poverty, hunger and violence for thirty years. In addition, Sudan is confronted with an increasing flow of refugees from neighbouring Ethiopia. ZOA helps with structural solutions and with emergency aid such as clean (drinking) water and food. Harmen: "The longer this explosive situation of violence continues, the more it affects the most vulnerable in the country. That is why a lot of help will be needed in the coming period, also for possible recovery work."
Will you join us in praying for the protection of ZOA employees in Sudan and for peace in this country?