JOURNEYS OF LIFE

The painting on the front cover entitled “The disciples of Emmaus” reflects our journey of hope. Jesus not only walks with us, but gives us the wisdom to perform our ministries and opens our eyes to see Him in the people that we are serving.

RADAR • SUDAN

The fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has thus far displaced more than three million people within and outside the country. Credit: agenzianova.com.

EL-OBEID GRAPPLES WITH WATER CRISIS AMIDST CONFLICT

Residents of El-Obeid, a city in the North Kordofan State, are grappling with a severe drinking water shortage, particularly in its western neighbourhoods.

Escalating Water Crisis

In the western parts of El-Obeid, the water crisis is critical. Barrel prices have surged to between 2,500 and 3,000 Sudanese pounds (equivalent to R 78-93) due to scarce supply. This predicament has been worsening over the past few months, primarily because the government has lost control over western water sources. The Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) growing presence in the area has exacerbated the situation.

Health Risks from Unsafe Water

In the face of this crisis, some residents have taken to using water from dugouts, a practice that poses significant health risks as this water is unfit for consumption. As a response to this dire situation, the city’s inhabitants are striving to repair groundwater wells to ease the water crisis somewhat.

Conflicts and Power Play

The RSF’s seizure of Sudan’s second-largest city, Nyala, signals a potential turning point in the six-month conflict. This development could impact negotiations in Jeddah, with some observers suggesting it may bolster either party’s negotiation position. Nyala’s strategic geographic location makes it Sudan’s second most crucial economic hub after Khartoum. The RSF’s attacks on multiple SAF bases across the country have been met with clashes at significant sites, including the Presidential Palace and the state broadcaster, Sudan TV.

The international community is closely observing the unfolding situation, with concerns about the impact of these developments on the Middle Eastern region. The situation in El-Obeid is reflective of the broader crisis in Sudan, where power struggles and conflicts have disrupted daily life, with the most vulnerable sections of society bearing the brunt of the consequences.

Source: BNN Breaking

NB: A community of three Comboni missionaries remain in El-Obeid trying to continue their work of evangelization and education in the midst of this challenging situation of war.

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