SUDAN – Christians killed in aerial bombings

At least ten Christians are reported to have died in repeated aerial bombardments of civilian targets in southern Sudan. During the past two months, the Sudanese air force has reportedly launched repeated attacks on villages in the Nuba Mountains in South Kordofan, forcing thousands of civilians to take refuge in caves. Muslims too have been killed in previous attacks but one of the reasons behind the bombings is to kill or drive out Christians and non-Arabs. Four children, a nursing mother and an elderly woman were among the dead in attacks on villages in Um Dorain County. At least five church buildings belonging to the Sudanese Church of Christ have reportedly been bombed, as well as the area's only hospital. The area, which borders South Sudan, is home to the black ethnic Nuba people, who have long suffered discrimination from Khartoum. Many Nuba are Christian; they constitute the largest community of Christians in Sudan. Under the terms of the 2005 peace accord that ended Sudan's civil war, the people of South Kordofan were to vote on whether to join Sudan or South Sudan, but the state governor suspended the process. (Sources: Morning Star News, Persecution Project Foundation) For a country profile about Sudan, click here Please pray that God's peace and presence will be with villagers in South Kordofan. Pray they will hold on to His promise that 'He shields all who take refuge in Him' (Psalm 18:30). Pray that the bombing will stop and that the people of South Kordofan will be allowed to determine their own future and to vote on whether or not to join South Sudan. Release International, PO Box 54, Orpington, BR5 9RT, UK