, Fr. Peter Biong, has called for urgent prayers and solidarity with the people of Abiemnhom following a deadly attack that left scores dead and wounded.){kind=link}
By Otto Abut
The Deputy Secretary General of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSSCBC), Fr. Peter Biong, has called for urgent prayers and solidarity with the people of Abiemnhom following a deadly attack that left scores dead and wounded.
While presiding over the Secretariat staff’s weekly Mass on Monday, 2nd March 2026, Fr. Biong expressed deep sorrow over the tragic events and urged Christians to remember the grieving families in their prayers.
“Let us pray for the people who lost their dear ones. May the good Lord bless their hearts, be with them, and give them strength to overcome the challenges and the trauma they are going through,” he said in his homily.
Fr. Biong described the situation as heartbreaking, noting that many victims had yet to be buried due to limited local capacity.
“We are praying for the people of Abiemnhom, who are mourning for their lost ones. It is not an easy moment for them. Until yesterday at midnight, when I called Father Boris, their bodies were still on the ground; they have not been buried. Because they don’t have the capacity for burials.
“Before, to dig for 120 was already very hard for them. Imagine that situation they are going through — the trauma they have been living and the life they are facing with this challenge. And this is a special season for us; God wants us to be merciful.”
He called on the faithful to show compassion and practical solidarity during what he described as a deeply painful period for the affected community.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has raised alarm over the escalating violence in Abiemnhom County, located in the Ruweng Administrative Area.
In a statement, UNMISS expressed grave concern over a sharp escalation of violence over the past 48 hours. According to the Mission, unidentified armed youth launched an attack on the Abiemnhom County headquarters early Sunday morning.
At least 23 people were reported wounded, while dozens of civilians and several local officials, including the county commissioner and executive director, were killed during the clashes.
UNMISS peacekeepers are currently sheltering more than 1,000 civilians at their base and providing emergency medical assistance to the injured.
The Officer-in-Charge of UNMISS, Anita Kiki Gbeho, said the Mission has strengthened its protective posture and is working closely with the Government of South Sudan to restore calm and ensure the safety of affected communities.
“The Mission has enhanced its protective posture and is working with the Government of South Sudan to support urgent efforts to restore calm and safeguard affected communities,” she said.
“In the meantime, our peacekeepers will continue to do everything within their capabilities to protect civilians.”
Gbeho urged all parties involved in the violence to immediately cease hostilities and pursue constructive dialogue.
“Such violence places civilians at grave risk and must stop immediately,” she emphasized.
According to UNMISS reports, tensions in Abiemnhom have remained high since 27 February 2026. On 28 February, approximately 1,000 civilians sought protection outside the UNMISS base. Peacekeepers have since maintained an enhanced security presence in and around the area to reinforce community protection.