 and German-based Misereor have reaffirmed their commitment to solidarity and continued support for communities affected by conflict and humanitarian challenges in South Sudan.){kind=link}
By: Ginaba Lino
The Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSSCBC) and German-based Misereor have reaffirmed their commitment to solidarity and continued support for communities affected by conflict and humanitarian challenges in South Sudan.
The commitment was expressed on Friday in Juba during a meeting between the SSSCBC Secretary General, heads of institutions within the Conference, and the Misereor delegation led by Archbishop Stefan Burger and Director General Dr. Andreas Frick, accompanied by Katherina Goette, Misereor Desk Officer for South Sudan; Uwe Bergmeier, Head of Dialogue and Partnership Services; and Ita Reilly, Misereor Translator.
The SSSCBC Secretary General Fr. Martin Ochaya Lino explained that the Bishops’ Conference brings together two dioceses in Sudan and eight in South Sudan, mentioning unity despite the two countries’ political separation.
“Two countries, one conference,” he said, adding that the bishops had resolved to remain united because “even if we are two politically divided countries, we are one Church.”
He said the Church continues to serve people through pastoral work, education, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, peacebuilding and other programmes as communities face prolonged insecurity.
The Secretary General described South Sudan as being at a political crossroads, saying several provisions of the 2018 peace agreement remain incompletely implemented. He cited challenges involving security reforms, the return of displaced people and other transitional processes.
He also cautioned that although elections are important to end the transitional period, conducting them without adequate preparations could create further instability.
“Elections, of course, are very important to end the transition. But when it is not well conducted, it could be a recipe for another war,” he warned.
Dr. Andreas Frick said the delegation’s seven-day visit had provided a deeper understanding of the realities facing South Sudan and the important role played by the Catholic Church.
He said the delegation witnessed communities depending on Church institutions for education, healthcare and humanitarian assistance, particularly in areas affected by conflict and displacement.
“After only seven days, I don’t feel even a little bit expert, but of course much more expert than I was before,” Frick said.
Frick acknowledged the financial constraints facing Misereor but said the organisation remains committed to working with the Church. He called for strong management, communication and cooperation among partners to ensure support reaches communities most in need.
“With our decreasing funds, we have to be present and want to be present,” he said.
Archbishop Stefan Burger, who led the delegation, said seeing the situation firsthand had changed their understanding of the challenges facing South Sudan.
“We already knew in Germany that the situation is difficult here, but we couldn’t imagine how difficult it is,” he said.
He praised the courage of Church workers and communities, saying the delegation would take their experiences and message of gratitude back to Germany.
Archbishop Burger emphasized that continued partnership should not be measured only by financial assistance, but also through mutual solidarity and prayer.
“We are one Church in one world,” he said. “We need your prayers, and we will also pray for you.”
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen cooperation and sustain support for vulnerable communities in South Sudan.