As drone bombs strike Port Sudan, Archbishop Ezekiel Kondo, primate of the Episcopal (Anglican) Church of Sudan, expressed concern at the attacks, fearing this would further escalate the two-year war in the northeastern African country.

While other key towns and cities had suffered heavy bombardment, the city on the Red Sea coast had remained untouched until 4 May. Church sources said they had watched as dense plumes and smoke billowed from locations in the city for four consecutive days, as drone attacks struck key installations, including Port Sudan International Airport.

The city had become a safe haven for church leaders, humanitarian officials, and hundreds of thousands of people displaced from parts of Sudan, especially the capital, Khartoum.

“It has been ongoing for four days now. Smoke continues to rise from fuel storage facilities by the Red Sea,” said Kondo on 7 May.

The archbishop fled Khartoum, the capital, to Port Sudan at the start of the war in April 2023. He has been overseeing his flock from the city.

Recently, Kondo said he was relieved that his former seat, the All Saints Cathedral, was not bombed and was still standing despite the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces using it as a base.

On 6 May, the archbishop said with the attack on the port city, there was great fear among the people that things might get worse, if the strikes did not stop.

“It is the first time for Port Sudan to be attacked since the war began two years ago. Since this is the only city being the breathing zone to the outside world, there is a great concern,” he said.

According to analysts, the continuing bombardment of the earlier quiet city signaled an escalation of the war, between the Sudan Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.  

The army chief, Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo alias Hemedti, the paramilitary commander, and their allies have fought for control of the country since 15 April 2023.

But the greatest concern has remained that the assault would disrupt the ongoing humanitarian efforts in the country. The United Nations, diplomatic missions, and humanitarian agencies had set up bases in the city. From there, agencies have been moving relief aid to address the humanitarian crisis triggered by the war.

“Prayers are very much appreciated so that the situation doesn’t escalate further,” said the archbishop.

Clementine Nkweta- Salami, the United Nations resident and humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, expressed shock and deep concern at the attacks on the port city. The official said Port Sudan International Airport is a lifeline for humanitarian operations, serving as the primary entry point for aid personnel, medical supplies, and other lifesaving relief into Sudan.

“Such attacks will deepen humanitarian suffering and needs, as well as exacerbate the already severe access and logistical challenge that humanitarian actors face in the delivery of urgently needed aid to the rest of the country,” said Nkweta–Salami in a statement on 6 May.

According to estimates, the Sudanese war has killed an estimated 150,000 people.