Indian National Catholic among 56 killed in Sudan

An Indian national was among the people killed in Sudan when violence erupted between the military and Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary force, on April 15. 

Albert Augustine, 48, a Christian from Nellippara in Kannur district, Kerala, was the victim, according to the Indian embassy in Khartoum.

He was a retired Indian army officer who became head of security for DAL Group in 2022, a Sudanese industrial conglomerate interested in agriculture, food, and energy.

In Augustine's flat, a bullet shot through an open window and struck him while he was talking to his son.

His family joined him in Sudan for Easter vacation a few days earlier.

There have been shelling and explosions in the Sudanese capital since last Saturday when fighting broke out.

The airport has been closed for a second consecutive day as both sides claim control of key sites.

Medical sources report that on April 16, the death toll rose to 56, with at least 595 wounded.

Since at least 4,000 Indian nationals reside in Sudan, including 1,200 who have been in Khartoum for decades, Indian authorities closely monitor the situation.

An Indian embassy statement was released on April 15, 2023, urging Indians not to leave their homes and to take all necessary precautions.

On Sunday, April 16, Pope Francis asked for prayers for Sudan, requesting that its rival military factions lay down their arms and pursue peace.

"I am following with concern the unfolding events in Sudan," he said, adding, "I am close to the already-tormented Sudanese people, and I invite you to pray for them to lay down their arms and choose the path of peace and harmony," as reported by Catholic News Agency.

Violence escalated in Khartoum and other Sudanese cities on April 16 after skirmishes broke out between the Sudan army and the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group on Saturday morning.