On June 19, 2026, unidentified militiamen killed a Catholic priest and a security guard in South Kordofan, Sudan. The miscreants were looting a warehouse containing medical and nutritional supplies for various aid projects, including one run by Trócaire (Caritas Ireland) and funded by Canadian Foodgrains Bank through Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada (DPCC).
The attack also left a storekeeper seriously injured. The Diocese of El Obeid noted in its statement that the murdered priest, Fr. Youhana Alamin, “was known for his dedicated pastoral service, commitment to the Gospel, and care for the people entrusted to him.”
DPCC condemns the heinous attack, extends sincere condolences to the victims’ families and prays for the speedy recovery of the wounded and the traumatized. While little is known about who carried out the attack, it is indicative of the culture of violence engendered by the civil war that has been raging in Sudan since April 2023. The conflict has displaced some 14 million people and left 21 million people facing acute food insecurity.
Through it all, our partner Trócaire has been working tirelessly to “provide life-saving assistance and strengthen community resilience in some of the country’s most vulnerable and conflict-affected areas.” The following statement, originally published on their website, has been reproduced here with their permission.
Trócaire Statement on the Killing of a Parish Priest and Partner Staff Member in South Kordofan, Sudan
22 June 2026
Trócaire strongly condemns the killing of a priest of the Holy Cross Parish in Upper Kauda, South Kordofan, and a staff member of our partner organisation during an attack on 19 June 2026. We are also deeply concerned for another partner staff member who was seriously injured and is currently receiving medical treatment.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families, colleagues and communities affected by this tragic loss. We stand in solidarity with our partners and with all those working tirelessly to support vulnerable communities amid Sudan’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The killing of civilians, community leaders and humanitarian personnel is unacceptable. Humanitarian workers and local partners are at the forefront of the response to one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises and must be able to carry out their work safely and without fear of violence. We are also deeply concerned by the looting of humanitarian supplies intended to support vulnerable communities, further undermining access to life saving n assistance for people already facing immense hardship.
We call on all parties to the conflict to comply fully with their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel, medical facilities, places of worship and civilian infrastructure. They must ensure the safe, rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need and take all possible measures to prevent harm to civilians and aid workers.
As the conflict continues to devastate lives and livelihoods across Sudan, Trócaire calls on all parties to prioritise dialogue and pursue a peaceful and lasting resolution to the conflict. The people of Sudan have endured far too much suffering and deserve peace, protection and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
Trócaire has worked in Sudan since 2011, supporting local partners to provide life-saving assistance and strengthen community resilience in some of the country’s most vulnerable and conflict-affected areas. Through these partnerships, Trócaire supports programmes in health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, food security and livelihoods, and protection, helping communities meet urgent needs while building resilience for the future.