Sudan: Third Summer of War - Pope Urges International Aid

Pope Francis has voiced grave concern regarding the ongoing "tragic situation" in Sudan, specifically highlighting the dire circumstances in El Obeid. He renewed his appeal for the establishment of humanitarian corridors to facilitate the safe passage of civilians. "At the same time, I call on the international community to support efforts for an immediate ceasefire," the Pope stated.

The city of El Obeid, which normally houses around 500,000 residents, is now overcrowded. Tens of thousands of displaced individuals are residing in official United Nations camps, where food supplies are insufficient and fuel for aid transport is running low. The Pope's call underscores the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.

Meanwhile, the Sudanese army reportedly carried out a drone strike on a village in the Darfur region this week, killing 35 people. According to the human rights organization Emergency Lawyers, the army targeted a traditional court in Garra al-Sawaja, a village controlled by the RSF militia. Civilians had gathered at the court for hearings on "local cases and disputes." The drone attack resulted in 35 fatalities and injured several others. A village resident told AFP that the deceased included four tribal leaders and two RSF commanders.

Sudan is currently experiencing what is described as the largest humanitarian crisis of our time, marked by death, displacement, and hunger, yet receiving minimal international attention. The conflict has created immense suffering for the civilian population, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and creating new ones.