By Ginaba Lino
Sudan and South Sudan Bishops’ Conference is calling on the government at all levels to take decisive action in addressing the root causes of the conflict by holding an immediate high-level meeting between the government of Jonlei State and Eastern Equatoria State.
The president of Sudan and South Sudan His Eminence Stephen Cardinal Ameyu Martin Mulla made the call in a press conference on Friday, Feb 08, 2025
The prelate says the cycle of cattle migration, competition for resources, and unaddressed historical grievances have fueled violence between cattle herders and farmers.
“We recognize the complexities of this conflict, rooted in the continuous cycle of cattle migration, competition for resources, and unaddressed historical grievances that have fueled violent conflicts between the cattle herders and farmers. These challenges must not be used to justify violence and disregard for human life and dignity.”
The Bishop’s conference calls on all parties involved to immediately cease hostilities and embrace dialogue at all levels as the only path to lasting peace.
“The Church in her mission to promote justice, peace, and reconciliation, calls on all parties involved to immediately cease hostilities and embrace dialogue at all levels as the only path to lasting peace.”
Cardinal Ameyu urges the parties to remember that all sons and daughters of God are bound together by a sharing history and a common future.
He adds that the conflict can be resolved through peaceful means, guided by mutual respect, understanding, and a commitment to the common good.
Ameyu emphasized that it is essential to address the root causes of these tensions, including resource management, and the need for equitable development.
He regrets the ongoing conflict between the cattle herders from Bor and farmers in Magwi, describing the tragic loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of communities as “distressing.”
“We write to you today with heavy hearts, deeply concerned by the ongoing conflict between the cattle herders of Bor County, of Jonglei State, and the farmers in Magwi County, of Eastern Equatoria State. This tragic loss of lives, destruction of property,y, and displacement of communities that have occurred as a result of this conflict are deeply distressing.”
“We call upon our people in the diaspora to use social media responsibly to promote peace and Unity,” Cardinal Mulla appeals.
As the Church, we commit ourselves to praying for peace and to working tirelessly with all stakeholders to promote reconciliation and healing. “His Eminence assures Church’s commitment.”
He appeals to the people of Jonglei, Eastern Equatoria States, and South Sudan at large not to allow conflicts to further divide citizens rather than coming together as one people.