(May 27,2010) In Sudan, the bishop of El Obeid is expressing concern that political
tension in Sudan could easily spark a return to violence. Bishop Macram Gassis told
a catholic charity organisation “Aid to the Church in Need,” that currently the Sudan
Peoples' Liberation Army and the Sudanese military in Khartoum are arming themselves.
He said it needs just one single shot to explode and we will go back to the bush,
where many people lived miserably during the country's 21-year civil war." Political
tension has been increasing since the April 26 victory of Omar al-Bashir in the country's
presidential election. “Aid to the Church in Need” noted that the local Church
leaders are concerned that the new president is still driven by a vision of an Islamist
state ruled under Islamic Sharia law. It added that this vision contradicts the aspirations
of South Sudan, which is semi-autonomous, to separate, forming the world's newest
country, which is due to be decided in a 2011 referendum. The aid agency reported
that Catholic bishops are observing signs that the country may be returning to war,
as tension builds surrounding the upcoming referendum. Aid to the Church in Need is
teaming with the Catholic Radio and Television Network to draw attention to Sudan's
plight.