WCC NEWS: Joint statement on attack on Port Sudan appeals for immediate cease of hostilities

In a joint statement, the World Council of Churches, All Africa Conference of Churches, Fellowship of Christian Councils and Churches in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa, and ACT Alliance expressed deep concern and strong condemnation of the violent escalation of hostilities in Sudan, specifically the recent attacks on the city of Port Sudan by the Rapid Support Forces. Ardabba displaced persons camp near Garsila, Darfur, Sudan. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth 08 May 2025 “Until now, the City of Port Sudan had served as a haven for displaced civilians and a critical hub for humanitarian operations and diplomatic engagement,” reads the statement. “The deliberate targeting of key infrastructure—including the Osman Digna airbase, airport, seaport, fuel depots, and civilian areas—through drone strikes over the past four days has shattered the relative safety the city once provided.” The attacks have inflicted widespread fear, destruction, and displacement, further compounding the suffering of a population already devastated by over two years of brutal conflict. “We denounce these actions as grave violations of international humanitarian law,” reads the statement. “Attacks on civilian infrastructure and spaces of refuge constitute war crimes.” The statement urgently calls upon the international community, African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and United Nations Security Council to intervene decisively to halt these attacks and to hold those responsible accountable.  “We reiterate our appeal to all parties to the conflict in Sudan to immediately cease hostilities, ensure the protection of civilians, and return to dialogue and peaceful resolution of the conflict in good faith,” reads the statement. “As churches and faith-based actors rooted in the values of justice, peace, and dignity, we remain steadfast in our solidarity with the people of Sudan.”   Joint Ecumenical Statement on the Attack on Port Sudan, 8 May 2025 See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland