Interchurch Council and Interfaith Council for Peace Initiative in Western Equatoria State Issues Joint Statement Condemning Ongoing Violence in Tombura, urges government to act speedily to restore peace and order

In a joint statement issued on July 19, 2021, the religious leaders expressed their concern saying that as Church leaders, they will not keep silent and go mute as their faithful people are subjected to violence.

“What we witness is symptomatic of a number of factors that cannot be ignored. The country's tragic history, endemic corruption, political infighting, moral decay, disregard for the law, and unfavorable economic conditions, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, are among them. However, the burning, killings, gun violence, looting, and destruction of property will not bring about change, it will deepen the crisis,” the statement says.

The religious leaders urge those involved in violence to stop immediately reminding them that the violence is only harming their own brothers and sisters, not the elites or political tricksters who live securely and are shielded from the violence and destruction.

 Below is the full Message

Chairperson, Interchurch Council Western Equatoria State Chairperson, Interfaith Council for Peace Initiative, Western Equatoria State

"MASSIVE DESTRUCTIONS, KILLINGS, DISPLACEMENTS, HUMANITARIAN NEEDS BITING, WORRIES"

Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways! (Proverbs 3:31)

We as Church Leaders, will never keep silent and go mute as our faithful PEOPLE are subjected to violence, which harming their very sense of life! The rapid increase and expansion of the breakdown of law and order, the violence of all types changing from worse to worst every hour in Tombura town, the headquarter are appalling! The question is, where is the government of South Sudan at all levels when communities turn harmful weapons against themselves? What is the hidden truth in this senseless violence?

The continued and escalating violence in Western Equatoria State particularly in Tombura County is of grave concern. Violence always begets more violence. Violence causes immediate and long-term suffering to all and will not address the pertinent issues that need to be urgently addressed in this country.

South Sudan which has just celebrated its 10th Anniversary of Independence has long been on a precipice. What we witness is symptomatic of a number of factors that cannot be ignored. The country's tragic history, endemic corruption, political infighting, moral decay, disregard for the law, and unfavorable economic conditions, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, are among them. However, the burning, killings, gun violence, looting, and destruction of property will not bring about change, it will deepen the crisis.

The words of the great prophet and champion of the oppressed of last century, Salvadorian Archbishop, Oscar Romero, ring true and are pertinent now:

"I will not tire of declaring that if we really want an effective end to violence we must remove the violence that lies at the root of all violence: structural violence, social injustice, exclusion of citizens from the management of the country... All this is what constitutes the primal cause, from which the rest flows naturally."

The Interfaith Council for Peace Initiatives and Interchurch all in Western Equatoria urge those involved in violence to stop immediately. It is our own sisters and brothers that we are harming, not the elites or political tricksters who live securely and are shielded from violence and destruction. They are not affected; they do not suffer. We appeal to you: stop the violence for your own sakes!

Furthermore, we urge that:

1. Politicians from all persuasions stop using this crisis to manipulate people by spewing irresponsible comments and incitements in the media and on social media. You are not showing leadership by being politically expedient and this incitement must be condemned.
2. Those who are inciting people on social media or all other forms must be held accountable. Social media platforms and security organs have the moral responsibility to monitor incitement.
3. There is a return to the rule of law and right processes respected, namely, the Constitution, and the judicial system.
4. We Religious leaders are duty-bound to address our followers and offer direction in this time of crisis.
5. The high levels of humanitarian catastrophes, poverty, inequality, unemployment are not "addressed" but acted upon in a concrete manner.
6. That corruption is dealt with decisively. South Sudanese are tired of empty promises. Corruption has to be stamped out because this is one of the strong ingredients in the current crisis.

The peace or liberty of all is threatened if South Sudan responds to the massive challenges we face on the current violent trajectory. Our hard-fought-for freedom is at stake. The civil anarchy and chaos must end. We appeal to all of South Sudan and particularly in Tombura County of Western Equatoria State to stop the violence which is ongoing. Serious problems afflict us, this is undeniable, but violence will never move us forward.

In the meantime, we ask all to pray so that we may resist temptation into violence!

Peace be with you all!

Archbishop Samuel Peni, Archbishop of Yambio ECS and Western Equatoria Internal Province Chairperson, Interchurch Western Equatoria State

Barani Eduardo Hilboro Kussala, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio Chairperson, Interfaith Council for Peace Initiative, Western Equatoria State