By: Ginaba Lino
The Bishops of Sudan and South Sudan Conference speak with one voice, urging the President of South Sudan Salva Kiir Mayardit, and his First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, and all other political parties to honor their sacred obligation to the people of South Sudan and resist any temptation to revert to arms.
In a statement issued on Saturday, March 29, Stephen Amyu Martin Cardinal Mulla, the president of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishop’ Conference (SSS-CBC), appealed to the parties to refrain from seeking revenge.
Cardinal Ameyu invites all Kiir and Machar to resist retaliation and instead embrace forgiveness and solidarity with each other, adding that the people of South Sudan have suffered too long.
“War had taken their Children, their homes, their future, and yet again, the dark clouds of conflict hover over our nation,” the SSS-CBC President says.
He continues, “The arrest of the opposition leader and the involvement of the foreign military forces-especially the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defense Force has only served to heighten fear and mistrust.
“The clashes between the SSPDF and SPLM IO, the arrest of political leaders including the First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny, and the increasing displacement of innocent especially women and children a tragic reversal of the peace we have all longed and prayed for.”
The Bishops caution the two principles of the peace agreement that if South Sudan returns to full-scale violence, the consequences will be catastrophic, and the collapse of the national unity, and the already fragile institutions will devastate future generations.
He lauds the resilience and unity that characterize South Sudanese communities, urging continued efforts to
He urges parties involved in the conflict to “engage in dialogue and commitment to Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.
He lauds the resilience and unity that characterize South Sudanese communities, urging continued efforts to build a society where all people feel safe and valued.
He reaffirms the Church’s commitment to mediate dialogue, to be the voice of the voiceless, and to work hand in hand with all who seek genuine peace, calling on civil society, youth and women’s groups, traditional leaders the International community to stand together against war.