South Sudanese Orphans Begin the Process of Healing After Tribal Violence
Urgency in the Eyes of South Sudanese Orphans
January 17, 2012—BBC East Africa correspondent Will Ross says the attacks are getting increasingly violent and neither the government nor the United Nations peacekeepers seem capable of stopping them.
Haunting eyes—like the ones you see below—stared out of a dark cave where South Sudanese orphans fled to because of the massacre. These are the faces of children who helplessly watched as their parents were brutally murdered in front of them during the summer of 2011.
The story of these children was radically changed when fighting between two tribes escalated into an all-out slaughter in 13 villages.
When the violence peaked, 742 were dead, 826 wounded, and 356 are still missing.
A New Home: Relocation of orphans to the City of Bor
Many of the orphans witnessed their parents murdered before their eyes. They are traumatized to such a degree that relatives have resisted taking the orphans into their homes. They are truly abandoned.
Our help enables Sudanese Pastors and helpers to construct “African huts” for the orphans to temporarily live in before transitioning the children to the capital of Jonglei, South Sudan. In the meantime, Mission to Children has pledged to help provide feeding and care for the children while the permanent orphanage is designed and funds are raised. Our hope is to begin the relocation immediately.
The opportunity cost to the Mission to Children is estimated at over $30,000 to:
- Take down and rebuild huts during the transportation process to the capital of Jonglei state, Bor.
- Support caretakers for the kids (5-7 Nuer pastors).
- Relocate over 166 orphans to Bor.
- Provide an estimated 6 months of: food, clothing, and medical attention to these orphans while a permanent Children’s Trauma and Care Center is built.
A Story Gone Very, Very Bad
In mid-July 2011, members of the Murle tribe, armed by the Khartoum government, attacked the Nuer people in Jonglei state, South Sudan. Although tribal conflict is decades old, this attack was different. Traditionally these conflicts involved the stealing of cattle and the taking of women and children. This time the violence was much more pronounced.
In early August the Government of South Sudan dispatched a team of 10 church leaders, under the leadership of the Sudan Council of Churches, to the affected area. Their report shows massive suffering. Of the population in 13 villages, 20% of the women, 30% of the boys, 35% of the girls and 15% of the men were killed. In total 1,801 homes were burned, 742 people were killed, 826 were wounded, 356 are missing.
And 166 children are now orphaned.
Although over 31,000 Nuer (tribe) are now displaced, the focus of this initiative is to address the needs of children who have lost their parents. Additionally, it will enhance the efforts of the indigenous churches of South Sudan as they seek to build peace between warring tribes.
Benefits of Project:
This center will not only serve to care for Nuer (tribe) children, but all tribes of Jonglei state. Additionally it will enhance the efforts of the indigenous church of South Sudan to: Build peace between warring tribes, take responsibility for the spiritual and physical development of their new nation, and become the authoritative, moral voice to its nation (i.e. We will demonstrate what it means to know God and walk in His ways.)
Relocation coordinated by:
5-7 Nuer (tribe) pastors committed to the healing process for these children—and tribal peace in their nation—a nation to be committed to character (integrity/responsibility).
Where:
City of Bor, the capital of Jonglei state, South Sudan.
Stay tuned . . .
Having traveled to South Sudan recently and visiting an orphanage while there, I can personally attest to the significant needs the South Sudanese have, particularly the children. My experience revealed repeated stories of families being torn apart and communities being ravaged by ongoing war and conflict that has become a way of life in South Sudan for the past 50 years.
This has resulted in many families continually relocating in order to avoid the latest conflict. As a result of the circumstances, the needs are great. It is reassuring and exciting to see the heart of the Sudanese people – they are very receptive and open to hearing the Gospel message. It is also very humbling and encouraging to hear the many stories of Sudanese Christians who are sharing the message with their people, no matter the cost.
@Darren: Thanks for your comment. The insight you shared reveals that what is going isn’t just “search and rescue,” but a restoration of family and nation. We have the opportunity to get behind these Sudanese Christians who are vessels of mercy and peacemakers.