Sudan and South Sudan Bishops Decry Escalating Violence, Urge Dialogue and Peace
Sudan and South Sudan Bishops Decry Escalating Violence, Urge Dialogue and Peace
By Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA
Catholic Bishops of Sudan and South Sudan has condemned the escalating violence that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of people in the ongoing war in Sudan which began in April 2023 between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), urging Sudanese people to learn how to survive together, reject violence, and work for peace.
“We are deeply worried about the deteriorating socio-political situation in the Sudan which is the result of war that started since mid- April 2023 and it continuous with no chance for peace due to lack of dialogue between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Thousands of Sudanese lost their lives and millions fled their homes to seek refuge in relatively peaceful states or in neighboring countries. The humanitarian consequence on the civilians has gone beyond toleration and must be condemned in the strongest terms possible. Therefore, we urge the Sudanese people to learn how to survive together, reject violence work for peace”.
In their statement shared with Rurugene Online Newsletter after their Annual Plenary Assembly convened from November 12th – 19th 2024, at Good Shepherd Peace Center -Kit South Sudan, the prelates urged neighboring countries, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN) to prioritize interventions to restore peace in Sudan. “We implore all parties and their supporters from both sides to respect humanitarian law and desist blocking humanitarian corridors for lifesaving,” they said.
In their 21st November, 2024 statement, the bishops also expressed concern about South Sudan’s territorial integrity, urging the government to remain steadfast in safeguarding borders to prevent conflicts with neighboring communities that could destabilize the region.
“We also make a heartfelt appeal to the neighboring countries to respect the territorial integrity of South Sudan. We urge the government of South Sudan to remain steadfast in safeguarding the borders, as any compromise on territorial encroachment could lead to conflicts with the local communities, with far-reaching implications of regional stability”.
The bishops further raised alarm over socio-political and economic challenges, including a year-long delay in salary payment to civil servants and armed forces, postponed democratic elections, and recurring violence.
They appealed to the government and opposition to expedite the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and the 2024 Tumaini Consensus to pave the way for constitutional governance, multiparty dialogue, and elections. They called on international partners to support South Sudan’s transition from humanitarian dependency to a stable, development-oriented state.
In their letter signed by H.E Stephen Cardinal Ameyu Martin Mula, the president of SSSCBC and the Archbishop of Juba, H.L. Mathew Remijo Adam GBITIKU mccj, deputy president of SSSCBC and bishop of Wau, H.G. Michael Didi Adgum Archbishop of Khartoum, Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, Bishop of Tombura Yambio Diocese, H.L. Alex Lodiong Sakor Eyobo, bishop of Yei Diocese, H.L. Christian Carlasare mccj, bishop of Bentiu and Apostolic Administrator of Rumbek, H.L. Emmanuel Bernadino Lowi of Torot Diocese and H.L. Daniel Adwork Marko Kur Auxiliary Bishop of Khartoumthe, encouraged believers and all people of goodwill to integrate their faith into daily life as faithful witnesses to God’s truth and love. They called for unwavering commitment to peace, reconciliation, and healing, in alignment with the assembly’s theme, “One Body, One Spirit in Christ.”
