Bishop fears new outbreak of Sudan's civil war

April 30, 2010

A Sudanese bishop has warned that renewed violence in the African country is "a likely scenario" in the wake of elections there.

Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of Tombura-Yambio said that a flawed electoral process--marked by charges of corruption, intimidation, and vote-rigging-- had marred the country's first free elections in April. Old animosities were rekindled, he said.

The elections produced a solid victory for Khartoum government led by President Omar al Bashir. But in the south of the country, an overwhelming majority voted for the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement. A new vote in the south, scheduled for early next year, could lead to independence for the region. But continuing disputes between north and south over the border regions still threaten to send Sudan back "into the abyss," the bishop warned, possibly renewing Africa's bloodiest civil war.

 

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Further information:

• Sudanese Catholic bishop warns serious post-election conflict is likely (CNA)