By Otto Abut
The Catholic Bishops of South Sudan have called on the Government of National Unity and non-signatories to the Revitalized Peace Agreement to immediately stop the war and embrace dialogue, amid the country’s worsening political, security, and humanitarian situation.
The call was delivered by His Eminence Stephen Cardinal Ameyu Martin Mulla, Metropolitan Archbishop of Juba and President of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSSCBC), while reading a communiqué on behalf of the Catholic Bishops of South Sudan on Tuesday, 27 January 2027, in Juba.
In the communiqué addressed to the Unity Government and opposition groups, the Bishops urged all parties to abandon violence, listen to one another, and heed the voices of the people of South Sudan.
“We urge you, all leaders in the Unity Government and the non-signatories to the Revitalized Peace Agreement, to stop war and embrace dialogue. Listen to one another and to the people you claim to fight for their sake,” the communiqué read.
The Bishops also appealed to peace partners, regional bodies, and the international community to continue supporting peace efforts in South Sudan.
“To all our partners, regional bodies, and the international community, the people of South Sudan are aware of your valuable contribution. You are our friends indeed, and we urge you, on behalf of the suffering people of our country, not to grow tired of doing what is right for them,” the Bishops stated.
In a strong condemnation, the Catholic Bishops expressed deep concern over the renewed fighting between government forces, SPLA-IO, and other armed opposition groups, particularly in Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria States.
“We, the Catholic Bishops of South Sudan Ecclesiastical Province, condemn in the strongest terms the renewed fighting, which continues to cause immense suffering to innocent civilians,” the communiqué emphasized.
The Bishops reiterated their commitment to peace and urged all leaders to prioritize dialogue, reconciliation, and the protection of civilian lives above political and military interests.