Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Juba (Fides Service) - "Whole families continue to wander aimlessly, with no humanitarian assistance, while bombing by government aviation continues", says Sister Carmen to Fides, a Comboni Mexican missionary who works in the Nuba Mountains, which are part of south Kordofan, where fighting continues between the armies of north and south Sudan (see Fides 16/6/2011). "We are concerned about the new fighting, but we still hope that the international community can come to our aid", concludes the missionary.
The satellite filming purchased from the "Satellite Sentinel Project" (promoted by the American actor George Clooney), shows a strengthening of the army's military presence of Khartoum in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan, occupied by the northern forces. The military growth raises fears of a new offensive on behalf of Khartoum.
In the other disputed area between north and south Sudan, that of Abyei, no more new fighting is registered but also here the humanitarian situation remains very serious. "The population is still displaced from Abyei and receives some sporadic help. The rains continue to beat the area constantly and displaced people are without protection", says Mgr. Roko Taban Mousa, Apostolic Administrator of Malakal to Fides. "Children and the elderly are the most affected by this tragic situation: malaria and diarrhea continue to kill people. There is therefore no significant improvement of the humanitarian conditions. In Abyei there is currently no fighting or bombing. The city, however, is still occupied by Khartoum's army and the population is afraid to return", concludes the Apostolic Administrator. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 20/06/2011)
