SOUTH SUDAN: Sudan, South Sudan Bishops’ Urge African Union And UN To Rescue Sudan From Disintegration
Group Photo of Bishops' from Sudan and South Sudan after the Plenary Assembly in Kit
Ginaba Lino
The Catholic Bishops from Sudan and South Sudan are urging the African Union (AU), United Nations (UN), and other Inter-governmental authorities on development to prioritize their intervention to rescue Sudan from disintegration and restore peace.
The Bishops in their joint press statement during the closing day of Sudan and South Sudan Bishops’ Annual Plenary Assembly appealed to the conflicting parties in Sudan to learn how to survive together, reject violence and work for peace.
His Eminence Stephen Cardinal Ameyu Martin who was appointed the president of Sudan and South Sudan Bishops’ Conference in the 26 November 2023 Bishops’ Annual plenary Assembly in Wau, called on the parties to respect humanitarian law and restore peace.
“We equally implore the neighboring countries, the inter- governmental authorities on development, IGAD, the African Union, and the United Nations to prioritize their intervention to rescue Sudan from disintegration and restore peace. We call upon the warring parties and their support from both sides to respect humanitarian law and stay away from blocking humanitarian corridoes for live saving assistance.”
The Bishops Conference expresses concern about the ongoing and deteriorating socio-political situation the Sudan due to the conflict which started in in April 2023.
“We are deeply warried about the deteriorating socio-political situation in Sudan which is the result of war that started since mid-April 2023 and it continues with no chance dialogue. Thousands of Sudanese lost their lives and millions fled their homes to seek refuge.”
Cardinal Stephen adds that the conflict continues with no chance for peace due to lack of dialogue between Sudanese armed forces and the Rapid support forces.
The Church leaders emphasize that thousands of Sudanese have lost their lives while millions left their homes to seek refuge in the relatively peaceful states and in neighboring countries.
Cardinal Ameyu says the Bishops are concerned by continues socio-political, and economic crises in South Sudan which has created humanitarian stress especially the unpaid civil servants and forces for almost year.
“We are equally concerned about the continuing socio-political and economic crises in South Sudan which has created humanitarian stress especially with a civil servant and armed forces not paid their salaries for almost one year.
The Bishops’ regret the postponement of the elections in South Sudan, citing that the hope for sustainable peace is lost.
“With the current postponement of democratic elections in South Sudan, the hope for sustainable peace is waning out. The catastrophic floods have submerged villages adding to the existing human-induce suffering.”
The President of the Sudan and South Sudan’s Conference of Catholic Bishops continues, “We exhort the Government of South Sudan, and the opposition groups to speed up the implementation of the milestones of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolutions of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and the speedy conclusion of the expected 2024 Tumaini Consensus without further delays.”
“We are sustained by the Holy Eucharistic, which the center of our lives as the Church and we encourage you to remain on the path of faith preached by our predecessors even in the most tragic moment, “SSBC President emphasized,” he continued.
Cardinal Ameyu congratulates the Bishops from Sudan and South Sudan for the work done during the one year prayer of Eucharistic and Golden Jubilee of the establishment of the Church Hierachy that deepen and gain spiritual benefits.
The bishops’ encourage believers in God and people of good will to integrate their faith into their daily work and into faithful witnesses of God’s truth and love to all humanity.
“Let us not lose heart in our effort for peace, reconciliation and healing, which are embodied in the theme of our Eucharistic Congress “One body, One Spirit in Christ.” Bishops’ appeal.
