The Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Torit is calling on the conflicting parties to put an end to war, rape and impunity in South Sudan.
Monsignor Thomas Oliha Atiya in his New Year message condemns all forms of conflict that the country is experiencing, Radio Emmanuel reports.
He calls for respect to dignity of girl child and women.
Monsignor Oliha urges South Sudanese to stop the practice of girl child compensation for murder case which he says is a negative culture.
The Apostolic Administrator points out that 2017 was a challenging year for the people where many citizens fled to other countries for refuge.
He urges the warring parties to demonstrate their leadership to give peace a chance.
Monsignor Oliha also tells everybody to promote peace in their hearts and minds.
Monsignor Oliha believes that for real peace to prevail in the nation, the agreement should be implemented.
The Apostolic Administrator made the remarks while giving a New Year message in Torit on Saturday.