SOUTH SUDAN: Catholic Bishops are concerned about the influx of firearms in the hands of young people
The Catholic Bishops of South Sudan have expressed concern over the influx of firearms in the hands of many civilians and especially young people, the majority of who have been working in the army and other national security services. In their Pastoral letter issued on Thursday, June 16 at the end of their two-days meeting held in Juba, the Bishops called upon the relevant authorities to put an end to the violence in the country.
“We abhor the fact that thousands of young men are carrying arms when we don’t have enough money to provide basic services to our own people; this is a misuse of our national resources. We are appalled to hear reports that there are still many child soldiers. We beg that the lives of our children be spared; let them prepare for their future through education rather than being trapped in violence,” read part of the Pastoral Communique, which was sent to AMECEA Online News.
Referring to the recent death of a medical missionary doctor, Sr. Veronica, Thereasia Rackova, who was allegedly shot by the military personnel, while on her way to respond to a medical emergency the bishops said that “Attacking a medical personnel is a war crime and crime against humanity.”
“We wish to challenge the militaristic culture in South Sudan, where even civilians carry assault rifles,” the bishops said as they condemned the arms trade which provides these weapons and stressed on the need for peaceful disarmament of civilians.
“Truly the current Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) is not the same army which protected and liberated us between 1983 and 2005. We are deeply concerned that many of these armed men appear to be poorly disciplined, poorly trained, poorly led, poorly educated militia, preying on the population, rather than a disciplined force protecting the people,” the statement further said adding that many of the officers are militia leaders, not professionally-trained soldiers.
They urged the formation of a single professional national army that South Sudanese can be proud of, and which will defend their borders against external enemies rather than killing their own brothers and sisters. “We are saddened that many crimes are reportedly committed by armed men connected with the SPLA and other national security organs, and we note that they are rarely brought to justice. Where is the rule of law? As a nation we should be ashamed,” the Bishops’ statement said.
Meanwhile The Bishops welcomed the signing of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan and are encouraged by the formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity and urged South Sudanese to rise above negativity by shunning hate speech and tribalism on the internet and social media, and instead spread constructive peaceful messages.
“Stop propagating rumours, gossip, misinformation and disinformation. Stop attacking and accusing each other, stop pursuing narrow personal and tribal interests, but instead work together for the good of the nation. Be ready to compromise for peace and for the common good. Stop seeing everything in its most negative light. Stop preparing for war; move with the times into the new culture of peace and reconciliation,” the statement said.
The Bishops once again re-commit themselves and our Church to play their part, in their own work and through our South Sudan Council of Churches’ three-pillared Action Plan for Peace: Advocacy, Neutral Forums and Reconciliation. “The Church alone cannot bring peace and reconciliation to South Sudan, but we pledge to be leaders in this role, encouraging all other people of good will,” the Bishops said adding that there is no other national institution that can take on this leadership role and therefore they humbly accept the burden of that responsibility.
By AMECEA Online News Correspondent
