Frontline Newsletter: Widespread Destruction in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan

SUDAN UPDATE 30 May 2001

Despite assurances from the Government of Sudan that they would cease air attacks against the Christian South, the National Islamic Front government has unleashed waves of artillary bombardments and ground assaults against Christian villages in the Nuba Mountains.

Reports just received by Frontline Fellowship confirm that since 24 May, Sudanese government forces have subjected the beleaguered Christians in the Nuba Mountains to "a massive on-going bombardment and military attack. Many villages have been burned, many people have been killed...."

The communities, churches and schools under attack in the Nuba Mountains are amongst those which Frontline Fellowship have repeatedly visited and ministered amongst. They are now in the gravest danger and in desperate need of our prayers and practical support.

In order to reach the Nuba, who are an island of Christianity in a sea of Islam, we need to fly far behind enemy lines in no fly zones. NIF government forces have recently captured most of the airstrips in the Nuba Mountains – complicating travel to these besieged people. The dangers of flying in South Sudan was recently highlighted when Bishop Macram Gassis’s aircraft was bombed while on the ground in the Nuba Mountains. One person was killed and several were wounded in this attack. On 9 May a Red Cross aid worker was killed when a clearly marked Red Cross aircraft was hit by ground fire. The 26 year old Danish co-pilot was killed instantly with a severe head injury as the aircraft was rocked by explosions. The other pilot managed to safely land the Red Cross aircraft at the Lokichoggio airport in neighbouring Kenya.

Frontline Fellowship has sent 5 teams to Sudan so far this year, 3 of them by vehicle overland. Despite being bombed twice this year (9 times in the last 14 months) the Christian Liberty High School, at the Frontline Fellowship mission base, is continuing classes with an enthusiastic group of students and teachers.

Please continue to speak up for our Christians brothers and sisters in Sudan who are being persecuted for their Faith and please continue to persuade your elected representatives to pressure the government of Sudan to stop waging this cruel war against their own citizens.

"Finally, brothers, pray for us that the Message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honoured, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith." 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2

Dr. Peter Hammond

Related Resources:-
Terrorism and Persecution (video)
Sudan, the Hidden Holocaust (video)
Faith under Fire in Sudan (book)