Vatican envoy calls for de-escalation of political tensions

By Awan Achiek

The Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan, Archbishop Séamus Patrick Horgan, has called on political leaders to explore ways to de-escalate tensions in a bid to save the country from returning to civil war.

“I am following the situation in South Sudan with concern. I renew my heartfelt appeal to all leaders to do their utmost to lower the tension in the country.” Patrick said in his Eastern Message on Friday.

Archbishop Patrick said Pope Francis, in his post-angelus message delivered to President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his first deputy, Dr. Riek Machar, on 30th March, renewed calls for dialogue to address political tension.

“We must put aside our differences and, with courage and responsibility, sit around the table and engage in constructive dialogue,” he said.

His Grace believed that dialogue is the only possible way to address the country’s crisis in order to alleviate the suffering of South Sudanese and to build a future of peace and stability.

The Vatican envoy stressed the need for the government to silence weapons to restore peace and stability.

“I call on all Christians, especially those exercising authority and leadership at every level, to silence the weapons this Easter,” he said.

He said the Vatican is standing in solidarity with the people of South Sudan amid the political crisis.

“We think of the tens of thousands displaced in Upper Nile State. We think of the hundreds who have been treated for weapons injuries,” he said.

“We think of the tens, perhaps hundreds, who have died in the violence that has marred the Sobat River channel for these last few weeks.”

He stressed the need to silence guns, saying the noise of gunfire has become too frequent a specter.

“We think too of our brothers and sisters in Western Equatoria, thousands of whom have been displaced, many of them now living in church compounds.”