Pastors assaulted by soldiers evacuated to Juba for treatment

By Awan Achiek

Five pastors who were brutally beaten up by soldiers in the Anglican Church in Puluk Payam of Awerial County have been brought to Juba for treatment.

Michael Jalang Lueth, Bishop of the Anglican Church said the five pastors are in critical condition.

“Among the 5 victims, David Ateny Machar is seriously in critical condition and I call on well-wishers all over the world to save the life of the pastors we brought to Juba for medication,” said Bishop Jalang in an interview with The Dawn.

He disclosed that the remaining nine pastors are undergoing treatment at Awecrial health care unit.

On December 31, 2023, soldiers stormed the Anglican Church in Puluk Payam of Awerial County during Sunday service where they brutally beat up church members, including 14 pastors and a 7-year-old child.

The soldiers then arrested Peter Adum Deng, Bishop of Twic East Diocese of Jonglei State and Michael Jalang the Bishop of the Anglican Church in Awerial County before releasing them without charges after spending two days in military detention.

The arrests were made after a misunderstanding emerged between the community and Bishop Michael Jalang leading to tensions.

The SSPDF soldiers reportedly stole 10 chairs and SSP 80,000 from the church.  

Peter Adum Deng, Bishop of Twic East Diocese of Jonglei State said they were humiliated by the Commissioner of Awerial County.

“I call on the government of national unity to advise some of the government stakeholder not humiliate people of God and not to interfere with church affairs,” said Bishop Adum.

He urged the government officials to protect the church rather than working against it.

“We appeal to lawmakers and the national government of South Sudan and its leadership to stop harassment of people of God and allow words of God to reach his people,” said Adum.