Since Saturday, 15 April, the streets of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, and other parts of the country have been the scene of clashes between the armed forces of the regular army and paramilitaries of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The friars on site, forced to stay closed in their friary, have written to Minister General Br Massimo Fusarelli, OFM, and the Definitor General of the area, Br Victor Quematcha, OFM, that the guerrilla war between the army and the rebels is raging, that communications and the internet are often interrupted, but that everyone is fine.
Br Peter Tindo, OFM, from Khartoum, told us in an audio message: "We are locked in the house, and all we hear is gunfire around us. But what exactly is happening right now we don't know".
Br Federico Gandolfi, OFM, in South Sudan, also confirms that communication with the neighbouring country is made almost impossible by blocking the internet.
On Sunday, 16 April, Pope Francis, during the recitation of the Regina Coeli in St Peter's Square in Rome, said that he was following with concern the events taking place in Sudan: "I am close to the Sudanese people, who are already so tried, and I invite you to pray that they lay down their arms and that dialogue prevails, so that together we can resume the path of peace and concord".
According to the Italian news agency ANSA, the country's airspace has been closed, the number of people killed is 97, and the injured number dozens, many of whom have been unable to reach hospitals due to difficulties in getting around. Among the victims are both civilians and military personnel.
Let us remain in prayer for this country!
©Photo: www.vaticannews.va