The Catholic Archbishop of Juba Archdiocese says he is saddened by the shooting of Bishop-elect of Rumbek Catholic Diocese by armed men, after his cheerful reception by Christians in Lakes State.
Speaking to CRN, Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla says the incident happened out of blue because they did not expect such an act to occur to Fr Christian Carlassare.
“This has come out of the blue. We have never thought that such a thing would happen in our midst, especially after the joyous reception of the bishop-elect at the airport and how people were so happy in Rumbek because of bishop elect”, says the Catholic Archbishop.
Archbishop Ameyu says it is a miracle from God that the bones of Bishop elect were not affected by the gunshots.
He adds that the unknown gunmen who shot the Bishop elect could be the same people who have been killing many South Sudanese in the country.
The Archbishop calls for prayers upon Fr Carlassare for quick recovery.
“We are very saddened by this news of Bishop-elect being shot twice in his legs. It is miraculous that the bones were not affected by these bullets. Both legs were shot at the lower limbs and the bullets went through, but never affected the bones of bishop-elect. I think that is a miracle from God and we know that without God in our lives, we can easily lose our lives”, says Archbishop Ameyu.
He appeals to the government of national unity to take the implementation of the peace agreement seriously to realize stability in South Sudan.
“We appeal to the government of the revitalized government of the national Unity to take the implementation of the peace agreement seriously, especially collecting the guns from the hands of the civilians. We will expect many atrocities to be done against our peace innocent people if guns are left in the hands of the civilians. I know this implementation of the peace agreement is taking a very long time. By this time we would have a national army who can stand to protect our borders, protect our VIPs, and protect other people who need protection”, the Archbishop lamented.
Fr Christian Carlassare was shot at his legs in his room at around one o’clock AM, after his appointment as Bishop for Rumbek Diocese in March 8.
Last week, a Member of Parliament appealed to President Kiir to announce the security situation in Rumbek as a national emergency.
Rumbek has been experiencing inter-communal fighting and cattle raiding.