ICC note: Many foreign missionaries are leaving South Sudan due to the conflict in northeast Africa However, a group of Catholic missionaries are choosing to stay and help those in need. Christian churches have been one of the only sources of refuge for people in the country, but many have been destroyed during the civil war. Christians are a religious minority in South Sudan and do face challenges for not conforming to the Islamic laws.

9/2/2016, South Sudan (Christian Today) -While most foreign aid workers are leaving South Sudan amid the worsening armed conflict in the northeast African country, a group of Catholic missionaries have chosen to stay, the Catholic Herald reports.

“We stayed because we are committed to the ordinary people who are suffering so much,” said La Sallian Christian Brother Bill Firman, director of Solidarity with South Sudan, in a telephone interview on Monday from Juba, the capital.

“My colleagues and I believe this is a good place for religious to be,” the Australian brother said. “We know our continued presence encourages” local residents and “provides some hope.”

What triggered the exodus of foreign aid workers was the incident that happened in mid-July in a Juba hotel when more than 80 South Sudanese soldiers attacked and “raped several foreign women.” The attackers “singled out Americans, beat and robbed people and carried out mock executions” for nearly four hours, according to an AP report. One woman was reportedly raped by 15 men.

Despite the repeated pleas for help, U.N. peacekeepers stationed nearby reportedly did nothing.

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