The recent clashes in Sudan between government forces and rebel groups have resulted in the tragic loss of lives. Among these casualties was a Keralite who was caught in the crossfire and lost his life. The incident has left the Keralite community in shock and has raised questions about the safety of Indians living in volatile regions. In this article, we will explore the details surrounding the incident and shed light on the broader context of the Sudan conflict.
A man from Kerala working in Sudan, Albert Augustine, has died in the crossfire between the paramilitary forces and the armed forces in the country. The deceased was an ex-serviceman and had been working in Khartoum for the past few years as a supervisor in a private company called Dal Group. According to Augustine’s father, his son was killed while on a telephone call. The relatives of the deceased have petitioned the Indian government to bring his mortal remains back to his hometown in Kannur district, Kerala.
The death of Albert Augustine highlights the precarious situation in Sudan where ongoing battles between the paramilitary forces, who are accused of human rights abuses, and the armed forces continue to claim lives. The situation in the country has escalated into a full-blown conflict, with civilians being caught in the crossfire.
The battles in Sudan began after the ouster of President Omar al-Bashir in April 2019. A transitional government was formed, but the tensions between the paramilitary forces and the armed forces have continued to simmer, with both sides jostling for control of the country.
In the latest violence, at least 56 civilians were killed in two days of battles in June 2020. Non-governmental organisations have accused the paramilitary forces of committing war crimes and human rights abuses against civilians, with reports of rape and torture.
The situation in Sudan has attracted international attention, with calls for political dialogue to end the violence. However, with the country in a state of political disarray, the situation is unlikely to be resolved quickly.
The death of Albert Augustine is a sobering reminder of the human cost of the conflict in Sudan. While the media reports on the battles between the paramilitary forces and the armed forces, the civilian casualties often go unnoticed. It is essential that the international community steps up its efforts to resolve the conflict and ensure the safety of the civilians caught in the crossfire.
The Indian government’s decision to bring Augustine’s mortal remains back to his hometown is a step in the right direction. The family of the deceased will have some closure, knowing that their loved one will be laid to rest in his home country. It is essential that governments around the world show the same concern for the lives lost in Sudan, and work towards ending the conflict.
