South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSSCBC) have urged the parties to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement to quickly de-escalate tensions to prevent the country from relapsing into full blown conflict.
“We caution our leaders: if South Sudan returns to full scale violence, the consequences will be catastrophic. The loss of human life, the collapse of national unity, and the breakdown of already fragile institutions will devastate future generations,” they said in a statement issued on Saturday.
They noted that the recent arrests of several members of the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in opposition and it’s leader First Vice President Riek Machar, mark a tragic reversal of the peace gains made since the signing of 2018 revitalized peace agreement.
They also revealed that the involvement of foreign military forces especially the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) has only served to heighten fear and mistrust.
“Such actions risk turning our beloved country into a battleground for external interests and political manipulation. We recall the words of Pope Francis during his visit to Juba in 2023: “No more bloodshed, no more conflicts, no more violence. Let there be peace,” they said.
The Bishops also said that the people of South Sudan have suffered too long, adding that the war has taken their children, their homes, their future-and yet again the dark clouds of conflict hover over the nation.
“We the Church have stood firm in calling for restraint, dialogue, and commitment to the Revitalized Agreement. We once again call on President Salva Kiir Mayardit, all political leaders, and parties to the agreement, including the R-TGoNU, to honor their sacred obligation to the people of South Sudan and resist any temptation to revert to arms,” they said.
“To our political leaders, we remind you of the words of Pope Francis: “Peace requires forgiveness, courage, and hope. It demands that we look beyond ourselves.” To our beloved South Sudanese people, we say this: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
