Catholic Bishop Macram Max Gassis has appealed to President Omar al Bashir of Sudan to protect the hospital of his diocese in the Nuba Mountains from more bombings by the Sudan Armed Forces. He considers targeting the Catholic hospital as “religious oppression of the Catholic Church in Sudan.”
A jet fighter and Antonov bomber dropped 11 bombs on or near the compound of the Mother of Mercy Catholic Hospital in Gidel near Kauda in the rebel-controlled area of South Kordofan last week.
“The bombing is an outrage against innocent civilians protected by international law from direct targeting by military forces. It is a violation of the sacredness of all human life, which we must protect at all costs,” said the emeritus bishop of the Diocese of El Obeid, which is responsible for the hospital.
“I wish to appeal to President Omar Al Bashir, to ensure that our hospital is protected from further bombing. The Mother of Mercy hospital is a Catholic Church health institution what offers life-saving services without distinction based on religion, tribe or political affiliation.”
“By targeting our hospital, you are targeting Muslims and Christian brothers and sisters as well as continuing the religious oppression of the Catholic Church in Sudan,” says Bishop Macram.
On Monday, Radio Dabanga reported that the Khartoum State authorities had decided to remove the Christian Comboni basic school in the Umbadda district in Omdurman, the twin-city of Khartoum.
In 2013 dozens of foreigners allegedly involved in church work or working for Christian NGOs were forced to leave Sudan, while several indigenous churches were closed.
A Catholic vocational training school was closed and a secondary school was shut down for being allegedly headed by a Christian board.
It is expected that Bishop Macram will give today a press conference in Nairobi.
Related:
Video: Sudan warplane bombs hospital in Nuba Mountains (5 May 2014)
Christian Comboni school to be removed in Omdurman, Sudan (4 May 2014)