SOUTH SUDAN: “The 2018 Signed R-ARCSS a Gift of Hope But Shaken,” SSCC on Violating Peace Agreement
Group Photo was taken during the Ecumenical Network of South Sudan conducted an annual meeting At the South Sudan Council of Churches secretariat office in Juba, South Sudan.
Ginaba Lino
South Sudan Council of Churches is calling on the principals of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) to rise above their differences and continue prioritizing dialogue over confrontation, and to place the well-being of the people above political interest.
On March 6, the press statement of South Sudan Council of Churches expressed their heartfelt concern on the escalating insecurity, political tensions in South Sudan.
The Church leaders said the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) signed in 2018, remains a gift of hope to the nation, but is being shaken by the current wave of hostilities and limited political will among the Parties.
“As shepherds of God’s people, our hearts are heavy with the weight of the escalating insecurity, political tensions, and violence that threaten the peace you and many others have worked so hard to build. The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) signed in 2018, remains a gift of hope to the nation. It is a promise to our people, a promise to end their suffering and lay the foundation for South Sudan where justice, peace and prosperity prevail.”
The church leaders bemoaned the recent violence in Upper Nile, Western Equatoria, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and Southern Warrap, adding that the conflicts have stolen innocent lives, Torn families apart and forced thousands to flee their homes.
They appeal for the release of some officials who were arrested admits the tensions for the sake of peace.
“We call upon your leadership to release those who are arrested for the sake of peace.”
“We urge you to address the hostilities across the country, and ensure the full implementation of the (R-ARCSS). The future of our nation and that of our children depends on the choice we make today,” SSCC Members elaborated.
They said, “We commend your excellency, for your unwavering commitment to peace as demonstrated by your powerful declaration during the Rome Retreat with the Holy Father Pope Francis, “I will not take the people of South Sudan back to War,”. Adding that such wards give their people hope.
“We are encouraged by the recent bold and decisive steps taken by the president under your leadership to calm the tension along the Sobat River (Ulang and Nasir Counties) in Upper Nile State.”
The prelates continue, “The Church stands with you and the people of South Sudan in this journey towards peace, justice, and prosperity.
Members of South Sudan Council of Churches have reiterated their commitment to fostering forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation in every corner of the country, saying the churches in South Sudan will continue to pray, mediate, and work tirelessly for the common good of all South Sudanese.
“We are committed to fostering forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation in every corner of our nation. We will continue to pray, to mediate, and to work tirelessly for the common good of all South Sudanese. Our people are tired of war and displacement that have always compromised their dignity.”
The member of the South Sudan Council of Churches also called on the people of South Sudan to turn to God, the source of all peace and ask for his guidance and blessings upon the country South Sudan during this special time of Lent.
The tensions appear to have been sparked by growing concern over unrest in Upper Nile.
The SSPDF has accused Lam and his troops of working with the so-called White Army rebels in the region, who are predominantly from the same ethnic Nuer community.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan last month reported increased fighting between the army and “armed youth” in Nasir County in Upper Nile, involving “heavy weaponry which has, reportedly, resulted in deaths and injuries to civilians as well as armed personnel”.
The civil war began just two years after South Sudan became independent from Sudan. The country remains mired in poverty and violence.
