KHARTOUM, Sudan (Zenit.org): Bishops of Sudan are expressing concern that arresting the nation’s president might not do anything to help stop the suffering in the country.
Bishop Daniel Adwok affirmed this after an arrest warrant was issued earlier in the month by the International Criminal Court in the Hague for President Omar al Bashir, for crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur, West Sudan.
The auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Khartoum said in an interview with Aid to the Church in Need published on March 10, that “the indictment of the president is not a matter taken lightly by the president or the people around him”.
Speaking from Khartoum, where the streets were crowded with thousands of supporters of President Bashir, Bishop Adwok said, “Removing him could throw obstacles in the path to peace – including in the south of the country.”
Sudan bishops’ conference chairman Bishop Rudolf Deng Majak cautioned that an arrest would breed more suspicion and obstruct peace efforts in Darfur.
“What we need is more sincerity from the leaders and the rebels, and a more serious dedication from the international community to save the Sudan,” Bishop Deng told the Catholic Information Service of Africa.
Bishop Adwok said Sudan also needs prayer.
“We urge people around the world to pray for us. Sudan has entered into a critical moment in her history,” he said.
“Whatever happens now, the people should be treated justly.
“We are asking ourselves, ‘Who will defend the rights of Christians in our country?'”
He appealed for an end of discrimination against all minorities, including Christians.
