Catholic Bishops’ from Sudan and South Sudan are urging the African Union (AU), United Nations (UN), and Inter-governmental authorities on development to prioritize their intervention to rescue Sudan from disintegration and restore peace.
The Bishops’ in their joint press statement during the closing day of Sudan and South Sudan Bishops’ Annual Plenary Assembly appealed to the conflicting parties in Sudan to learn how to search, survive together, reject violence and work for peace.
His Eminence Stephen Cardinal Ameyu Martin who was appointed the president of Sudan and South Sudan Bishops’ Conference in the 26 November 2023 Bishops’ Annual plenary Assembly in Wau called on the parties to respect humanitarian law and restore peace.
“We equally implore the neighboring Countries, the inter- governmental authorities on development, IGAD, the African Union, and the United Nations to prioritize their intervention to rescue Sudan from disintegration and restore peace. We call upon the worrying parties and their support from both sides to respect humanitarian law and stay away from blocking humanitarian corridors for life saving assistance.”
The Bishops’ worried about the ongoing deteriorating social political situation in Sudan due to the conflict which started in April 2023.
Cardinal Stephen adds that the conflict continues with no chance for peace due to lack of dialogue between Sudanese armed forces and the Rapid support forces.
The ordinal local Church leaders emphasized thousands of Sudanese lost their lives and millions left their homes to seek refuge in relatively peaceful states and the neighboring countries.
Ameyu says the Bishops’ are concerned by continuing Social, political, and economic crises in South Sudan which has created humanitarian stress especially the unpaid civil servants and forces for almost a year.
“We are equally concerned by the continuing social, political and economic crises in South Sudan which has created humanitarian stress especially with a civil servant and armed forces not paid their salaries for almost one year.
The Bishops’ regretted the postponement of the elections in South Sudan, citing that the hope for sustainable peace is lost.
The Bishops’ from Sudan and South Sudan ended their Annual plenary Assembly with a call for strength, faith and hope for peace in the both Countries.
The Bishops’ Conference which concluded on November 20, 2024, was held under the theme: “One body, One Spirt in Christ.”