Conflict broke out in Damazin town Sept. 1 between the Sudanese military, based in Khartoum, and soldiers aligned to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement North, following armed attacks on government buildings.
Both sides blamed each other for the attacks and on Friday, the Khartoum government declared a state of emergency in Blue Nile State.
Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Adwok of Khartoum, who is episcopal vicar for the pastoral region of Kosti, which includes Damazin, has drawn up emergency plans for the parish of Singa, where thousands of displaced people are gathering.
Bishop Adwok explained, «The parish center of Singa, as a Church-based organization, can assist the victims of Damazin conflict by providing for them food, blankets and maybe transport money for those who would like to travel to Renk or to Khartoum or El Obeid.»
According to the Sudan Human Rights Organization in Cairo, 17 people were killed, and tens of thousands are living in basic conditions outside Damazin.
The Blue Nile State is the third border region where fighting has erupted since South Sudan gained independence in July.
