 while traveling back to Sudan over the weekend.){kind=link}
The Bishop of El Obeid Catholic Diocese, His Lordship Tombe Trille, endured a harrowing ordeal after being beaten and robbed allegedly by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) while traveling back to Sudan over the weekend.
The incident occurred after Bishop Tombe attended the Eucharistic Congress and celebrations marking 50 years of the Catholic Church hierarchy in Sudan and South Sudan, held in Juba on 24th November 2024.
On Monday, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wau, His Lordship Matthew Remijo Adam, expressed deep sorrow over the attack.
Bishop Remijo recounted the events: “After leaving Renk, Bishop Tombe was intercepted by the Army. They beat him, looted his belongings, and eventually released him.”
However, “shortly after, he fell into the hands of the RSF, who subjected him to even more severe beatings on his head and neck. He has been unable to eat properly since the attack due to his injuries.” His Lordship Matthew Remijo Added
Bishop Remijo disclosed that the RSF initially planned to execute Bishop Tombe and a deacon traveling with him. Their lives were spared when one RSF member argued for their release.
“We are deeply saddened and troubled by this news,” Bishop Remijo stated. “As leaders of the Church, we strongly condemn these acts.
The Bishop also appeals to President Salva Kiir Mayardit to engage with the Sudanese government to ensure Bishop Tombe’s safety or facilitate his relocation from the diocese if necessary.
Bishop Remijo called on the faithful to pray fervently for Sudan, the Church, and all clergy members working in dangerous conditions across the country. He stressed the importance of unity and solidarity during these challenging times.