The Catholic Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Juba and that of the Episcopal Church of Sudan have called for peace during the celebrations of the first anniversary of the independence of South Sudan.
Archbishop Paolino Lukudu Loro and the Most Rite Reverend Daniel Deng Bul acknowledged progress made to improve infrastructure over the last year in South Sudan.The Prelates said more needs to be done to ensure that majority of South Sudanese have access to basic services.
The Archbishops strongly appealed for rapid resolution of several critical issues in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement to avoid going back to war in the near future.
They called upon all parties to implement a meaningful cease-fire, withdraw forces from the border region and allow humanitarian aid to the victims.
The Archbishops expressed fears over the deterioration of relations between Sudan and South Sudan, inter-ethnic conflicts in South Sudan, and the three civil wars still raging in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile States.
They call on all warring parties to enter meaningful negotiations to end the three civil wars in Darfur, the Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile.
The Church leaders expressed concern on rising prices and shortages of essential commodities, including fuel, making life harder for the ordinary citizens in the two countries.
They called for South Sudan and Sudan to put the well-being of their people first and work for future development that benefits all.
The Archbishops wrote a joint pastoral letter marking the first anniversary of the South Sudan.
Ê