Rome (Italy). On 11 July 2024, on the liturgical feast of Saint Benedict of Norcia, the Community of Saint Egidio organized the press conference, “Sudan: Stop the humanitarian catastrophe” to turn the spotlight on this humanitarian emergency forgotten by many. Journalists from different newspapers were present in the room, who followed the event and conducted personal interviews with the speakers.
The aim of this press conference was to ask the Italian Government, seeing the G7 presidency and the commitment of a new interest in Africa through the Mattei Plan, for a resumption of negotiations for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access to respond to starving civilians.
Introducing and coordinating the interventions was Dr. Marco Impagliazzo, President of the Community of Sant’Egidio; and Vittorio Oppizzi, Director of Programs in Sudan of Doctors Without Borders; Pietro Parrino, Director of the Emergency Project Department; Sister Ruth del Pilar Mora, Counselor for the Missions of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians; and Father Angelo Giorgetti, General Treasurer of the Comboni Missionaries. These are people who are well aware of the dramatic situation in Sudan and who continue through their operational presence in various parts of this territory to support with humanitarian aid the people so sorely tried by this conflict that began in April 2023.
The extremely serious humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which has already lasted 15 months, was illustrated. The violent conflict between the Sudanese army and the rebel forces has caused the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people who have practically nothing to eat. The situation of insecurity makes it very difficult, and in some cases impossible, to have access to water, food, health care, medicines. Many people have fled the conflict and have sought accommodation in refugee camps, both within their own country and in neighboring ones. Another major concern is the disruption of educative pathways in schools for children, adolescents, and young people, which jeopardizes their future.
Specifically, regarding the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Sister Ruth del Pilar reminded that the Sisters have been present continuously in Khartoum for about 40 years and have always been, through their commitment in the field of educative pastoral, a significant reference point for the education of many children, young people, women, and families in the peripheries of this capital.
Currently, they are the only religious community who have remained there, along with a Salesian of Don Bosco and a hundred people, including many children and mothers. In all this time, both the Community of Sant’Egidio and the Combonians of Port Sudan have been of great help in keeping hope alive in them, as well as seeking ways to help in a concrete way.
The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and the Educating Communities of the Institute continue to implore the powerful intercession of Mary Help of Christians for peace in Sudan and in all the nations of the world torn by conflict.
