International organisations report several cases of brutal violence, looting and killings. The situation is dire: millions of people, some 11.7 million according to UN estimates, lack access to food, water, shelter and medical care and are acutely food insecure.
In addition, the hospitals left open in Khartoum are few, some have been occupied, others closed, many bombed. Sudan has been beset by wars for decades, including the conflict in Darfur in 2003 and the ensuing devastating humanitarian crisis. It is also in a very unstable region, with many neighbouring countries having suffered major political upheavals and conflicts and this continues to cause millions of refugees.
Even in Sudan, the Salesian response was not long in coming. In the country, in fact, the Salesians have three presences: the St Joseph VTC in Khartoum, St Joseph's in Kalakala and the Don Bosco VTC in El Obeid. They provide aid and support to the poorest and most vulnerable population and run primary, secondary and vocational schools.
In recent weeks they have been forced to leave the St Joseph technical school due to the advance of paramilitaries and the insecurity of the area and have taken refuge several kilometres away. Now, as Missioni Don Bosco explains, missionaries need urgent help to distribute basic goods to the people most affected by the conflict: women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities, in addition to those suffering from severe malnutrition.
Everything is needed, from basic necessities such as food and water, to medical care, vaccinations, maternal and child health services. In addition, the displaced population needs sanitation facilities to prevent the spread of diseases, psycho-social support services and the creation of safe spaces for women and children who have suffered abuse and violence.
For more information on projects and assistance needed by the Sudanese population, please visit: www.missionidonbosco.org
