Attempt on Cardinal Wako points to tensions ahead of vote

An attempt on the life of Sudan’s cardinal could be linked to a campaign of intimidation against Christians in the run-up to all-important referendum, according to a bishop from the country. Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, from South Sudan, described a possible link between the attempted stabbing of Cardinal Gabriel Zubeir Wako and an extremist movement aimed at keeping Sudan united.

The bishop’s comments, made in an interview with Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need, come three days after a man attempted to stab the Cardinal during an outdoor Mass in the capital, Khartoum, marking the anniversary of the death of Sudan’s patron, St Daniel Comboni.

Bishop Hiiboro, who made his comments on the eve of a visit to UK to highlight problems facing the Church in Sudan, said: “Of course, we don’t know yet whether the armed man was acting alone or if others were involved but it would seem entirely possible that what he did was part of a wider campaign of intimidation against the Church, and that the timing of the attack was very specific.
“For those with extreme views, it would of course be a good thing to kill a leader like the cardinal. He has been targeted many times but he has always maintained a very strong faith. He is a very strong man. “Also such extremists would clearly wish to send out a signal to the wider Christian community – especially to southerners living in the north – warning them that the Church should not become a rallying point for dissent in the run-up to the referendum.”

He went on to appeal for calm, warning that the threat on the cardinal’s life could cause emotions to run high, destabilising the country in the run-up to the referendum. Bishop Hiiboro said: “The decision we are going to take [at the referendum] should be an act founded on freedom of conscience. It is important for all Sudanese to control their emotions and be guided by reason and a desire to preserve peace.”