Torit Catholic Emeritus Bishop blamed the army for lacking the spirit of nationalism and only being loyal to their commanders.
Bishop Paride Taban said the army was not national but depends on some commanders who pay them, Bakhita Radio reported.
He said a true national army protects the population and the territorial boundary of the country.
Bishop Taban appreciated the former Sudanese President Jaafar Mohammed Nimeiri’s government because it respected civilians and punished offenders appropriately.
The Emeritus bishop said President Salva Kiir’s government needed to do the same and put in place laws that safeguard civilians from military intimidation.
He urged President Kiir and his opposition Riek Machar to respect and protect civilians.
Bishop Taban said killing of civilians was totally wrong and unacceptable.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit told the faithful at St Theresa’s Cathedral Kator on Christmas Day not to lose hope but think of the best future in the country.