Christian families in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur State, were deprived of the joy of this year’s Christmas due to insecurity and conflict.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj in Nyala town on Wednesday, several Christian families said they did not celebrate Christmas this year due to insecurity in the state and that a large number of Christians have sought refuge in South Sudan due to the ongoing war.
“We are here at Al-Jir North Centre. We did not celebrate Christmas as Christians in Nyala because of displacement. Also, many Christians have gone to South Sudan,” said Alisa Garang, a resident of Nyala.
Meanwhile, Rebecca Cirilo Chan said: “No celebrations of Christmas this year because of the war, and we are now displaced from our homes. So we are staying in a centre now but hope that next year will be a year of peace and stability in Sudan.”
Madenina Amos Malou, another resident of Nyala, said: “Insecurity and the ongoing war have deprived us of celebrations. Also, the authorities have banned gatherings due to insecurity in the state, so it was difficult for us to celebrate.”
According to Madenina, residents of Nyala are living in fear of airstrikes by the Sudanese army.
In October, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized control of Nyala town from the army after months of fighting. The clashes have forced a large number of people to flee their homes.
Sudan spiralled into war after soaring tensions between army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo exploded into open fighting on 15 April.
The war broke out due to disagreements over plans for a political transition and the integration of the RSF into the army four years after former ruler Omar al-Bashir was deposed in an uprising.
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