South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
Catholic bishops in South Sudan have issued a strong condemnation of the country’s worsening security situation, warning those recent escalations in violence threaten to plunge the nation back into large-scale conflict.
The statement was released at the conclusion of the annual meeting of the Catholic Bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of South Sudan, which took place from July 7 to 11 in Juba.
Gathering under the theme “Let justice and peace embrace” (Psalm 85:10), the bishops reflected on the ongoing political, social, and humanitarian crises affecting the country. This meeting was their first since the death of Pope Francis, who had been a fervent advocate for peace in South Sudan.
“His Holiness Pope Francis held South Sudan and its people close to his heart. Even in a wheelchair, he courageously decided to visit our country. His legacy of peace and justice will always remain with us,” said Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla.
The bishops also acknowledged the election of Pope Leo XIV as the new Bishop of Rome, noting that South Sudan was represented in the conclave by Cardinal Ameyu. They extended greetings to the faithful, describing this moment as a blessing for the local church.
However, their message quickly turned to the deeply concerning rise in violence across the country. The bishops cited numerous reports of aerial bombardments, road ambushes, clashes between armed groups, abductions, rapes, and the forced recruitment of youth into militia groups, including the so-called “Niggers” and “Toronto” gangs. They highlighted the growing economic hardship and food insecurity affecting displaced families.
“With heavy hearts, we express our dismay at what we confront daily,” the bishops wrote. “Communities are being torn apart, innocent lives are being lost, people are injured and forced to flee their homes in fear. We are witnessing the return of violence, and with it, the erosion of hope.”
Despite public reassurances from President Salva Kiir Mayardit that the country will not return to war, as well as similar declarations from opposition leaders, the bishops lamented the ongoing lack of meaningful implementation of the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement.
“Have we not suffered enough from deadly guns and senseless killings? Have we not seen how violence silences hope and cripples development?” they questioned.
The bishops were particularly critical of what they described as a preference for “military action instead of genuine dialogue” to resolve political and social grievances. They directly challenged South Sudan’s leaders, questioning their motivations.
“Do you truly have this country and its people in your hearts, or are you only concerned and obsessed with the pursuit of power and wealth?” the bishops asked.
They called on the government and all armed groups to allow unrestricted humanitarian access to affected regions and urged the creation of safe corridors for aid delivery. They also demanded that humanitarian goods for faith-based organisations be exempt from taxation.
Recalling Pope Francis’s powerful appeal during his 2023 visit to South Sudan, the bishops echoed his plea: “It is time for peace! No more bloodshed, no more conflicts… no more leaving your people athirst for peace.” They also referenced his encyclical Fratelli Tutti, which describes war as “a shameful capitulation… a stinging defeat before the forces of evil.”
The bishops made a passionate appeal to all parties involved in the violence: “The ongoing politically motivated violence is not justified; it is a betrayal of your noble calling. Cease from it and prove yourselves to be the legitimate and true protectors of the people.”
They extended their encouragement to priests, religious men and women, and catechists serving in conflict-affected areas, urging them not to lose hope. “Continue your courageous ministry,” they said. “The light of Christ still shines in South Sudan despite the darkness, and we are all bearers of that light.”
As South Sudan marks the 14th anniversary of its independence, the bishops praised the resilience of the South Sudanese people, who celebrated the occasion with pride and unity despite ongoing challenges. “We congratulate our people for their determination,” the statement read. “They continue to hoist the flag and sing the national anthem in their homes and in the streets.”
In observing the Jubilee Year of Hope, the bishops called on citizens of all tribes and faiths to embrace national reconciliation. “Let this Jubilee Year of Hope be a new dawn for South Sudan,” they wrote. “Let it be a time of national conversion, when guns fall silent and the wounds of conflict begin to heal.”
Concluding their message, the bishops recognised and commended the efforts of those working quietly for peace. “Your silent efforts and acts of kindness do not go unnoticed,” they stated. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”
