SOUTH SUDAN: Catholic Bishops in South Sudan Appeal for Dialogue And Ceasefire in Sudan
Archbishop Stephen Ameyu Martin
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Following the ongoing war that erupted in Khartoum, Sudan between rival factions of the country’s military government on Saturday, April 15, Catholic Bishops in South Sudan has called for an end of the conflict asking the concerned parties to dialogue for peace to prevail as hundreds of lives have been lost so far.
“In order to preserve the unity of the country and not to further suffering of the people, we call for an end to the fighting and a revert to dialogue,” the bishops in South Sudan raised their voice concerning the ongoing fight in a statement shared with AMECEA online.
The civil war which broke after weeks of tension between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to over 300 citizens being killed in the past one week, many others wounded, while properties have been lost and thousands are seeking refuge in Chad and other neighbouring countries.
“We are deeply concerned for the loss of lives and properties. We are aware that many people are trapped by fighting away from their homes, many in their homes but with no way to access basic needs for their survival and their families,” the Church leaders disclosed, adding that, “Many have been injured and others have died.”
Highlighting that many people in the country are suffering and yearning for peace, the Bishops in their Monday, April 17, statement signed by the Deputy President of Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops Conference (SCBC) Archbishop Stephen Ameyu Martin Mula of of Juba urged Christian Communities from all the Dioceses in South Sudan to dedicate their times for prayers and fasting for the Sudan during this difficult moment.
“Let us keep the spirit of Easter alive through prayers for peace to reign in Sudan. We are aware that families can suffer from the lack of basic needs when there is armed conflict. We pray for the protection of all the people caught up in the conflict.”
The bishops have shared their sentiments, expressing their solidarity with His Eminence Gabriel Cardinal Zubeir Wako, Archbishop Michael Didi of Khartoum, Bishop Tombe Trile of El-Obeid Diocese, Bishop Daniel Adwok the Auxiliary Bishop of Khartoum, for God’s protection to the Apostolic Nuncio in Khartoum Monsignor Luis Miguel Munoz Cardaba and to all Christians and all people of the Republic of Sudan.
On their part, the government of the Republic of South Sudan through the ministry of Presidential Affairs in their update message on the unfolding situation in Sudan noted that the Head of State President Salva Kiir Mayardit, is monitoring closely the situation of the neighboring country.
“The President maintains the call by IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) Heads of State and Government during their meeting on Sunday, April 16, 2023 on the warring parties to cease hostilities immediately,” the message from the government read on parts.
According to the government in their message shared Monday, April 17, “The cessation of hostilities will provide a conducive environment not only for the civilian trap inside their home to access essential supplies, but it will also allow IGAD delegation to travel to Khartoum to engage the Sudanese leaders in order to end the crisis.”
According to the Minister of Presidential Affairs President Salva Kiir met the Chairperson of the Sudan Sovereign Council, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and His Deputy General Mohmed Hamdan Dagalo and urged them persuaded them to “agree to a humanitarian ceasefire.”
“The discussion ended with both parties agreeing to a 24-hour ceasefire, starting at 18 hours or 6:00 p.m. This window will allow civilians to access essential supplies and also provide a safe window for the wounded to be taken to hospitals for medical attention,” they said.
