Gathered under the theme “Building Peace, Healing Wounds, and Strengthening Unity,” the Catholic Bishops of Sudan and South Sudan concluded their annual plenary meeting in Malakal on November 13, 2025, with a strong message condemning renewed violence, political power struggles, and deepening humanitarian crises across both nations.
In a statement read by His Eminence Stephen Cardinal Martin Ameyu, the bishops expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in 2025, lamenting that peace agreements have been dishonored and that dialogue has lost its place as a means of reconciliation.
“It is alarming that dialogue is no longer seen as a vehicle for harmony, healing, reconciliation, and unity,” the bishops stated. “Instead of pursuing dialogue, selfish interests have unleashed violence, aggravating humanitarian crises, community-based hatred, and widespread displacement.”
Quoting Pope Paul VI, the bishops reaffirmed their commitment to peace rooted in justice “Peace is not merely the absence of war but the work of justice.”
The bishops condemned ongoing power struggles among rival political factions and the misuse of national resources for personal gain.
“The ongoing power struggle within our governments and opposition groups lacks respect for human dignity; it is maliciously selfish,” they said. “Our land is full of abundant resources, yet these are misappropriated by individuals for their luxury amid abject poverty.”
They reminded leaders that “to lead is to serve” and warned that “where there is injustice, there is the seed of future conflict.”
The bishops voiced alarm over rising ethnic and tribal divisions being fueled by political manipulation.
“A nation born out of a struggle for freedom should hold together in unity of purpose,” they noted. “We are witnessing unprecedented divisions in the name of politics. This richness in diversity must not be spoiled by short-sighted, divisive agendas.”
They invoked Christ’s warning in the Gospel of Mark “If a household is divided against itself, that household can never last.”
The bishops denounced the forced repatriation of vulnerable South Sudanese refugees from Sudan, calling for humane and just solutions from both governments. They also criticized the conduct of disarmament operations in South Sudan, stressing that civilian lives must always be protected.
“The indiscriminate bombing of civilians is never justified,” the bishops declared, urging authorities to implement the Revitalized Agreement for the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and for Sudanese warring parties to return to the Jeddah peace talks.
The bishops expressed gratitude to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for its continued support but warned that recent downsizing and closure of field stations could undermine peace efforts.
“This move will have serious consequences for peace in South Sudan,” they cautioned, appealing to the UN and international partners to maintain their commitment to the people during this critical time.
The prelates described recent floods across Sudan and South Sudan as “equally destructive as war,” noting that entire villages, schools, and farms have been submerged.
“We appeal for urgent attention and investigation into the causes of this disaster and for measures to mitigate its impact,” they said.
Despite the turmoil, the bishops offered words of hope, announcing the relaunch of the Small Christian Communities pastoral program as part of the ongoing Synod on Synodality in the Jubilee Year of Hope.
“We call on you to have hope because the power of God that surrounds us is greater than the challenges we face,” they said, quoting Jeremiah 29:11: “I know the plans I have for you—plans for peace, not for disaster.”
The bishops urged clergy, religious, and lay faithful to dedicate daily moments of prayer and fasting for peace and to transform churches into “sanctuaries of hope.”
“Though our nations walk through dark valleys of pain and uncertainty, we hold firmly to Christ’s promise: ‘Peace I leave you; my peace I give you,’” they affirmed.
In conclusion, the bishops invoked the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace, and St. Joseph, Protector of the Universal Church, calling on the Holy Spirit to renew their nations with “justice, compassion, and lasting peace.”
“May our churches become beacons of healing and unity,” they prayed. “May our lands be renewed and may the people of Sudan and South Sudan live once more in peace.”