ADIS ABABA JULY 19, 2016(CISA) – The Association Member of Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) have condemned the increased violence in South Sudan.
“In the spirit of solidarity, we, Catholic Bishops in the AMECEA region condemn all acts of violence without exception. Fighting for whatever reason is an act of unjustifiable evil. To all people of good will, let us beg for the strength to resist the hatred that blinds us to our common humanity,” said the bishops in a statement signed by Cardinal Berhaneyesus Souraphiel, AMECEA chairman and Archbishop of Adis Ababa.
“We are encouraged by all voices that have called for calm and an end to fighting. We add our voices to theirs and urge all soldiers and civilians to refrain from all actions that can ignite and escalate the situation,” said the bishops in the July 15 statement.
The bishops urged the political leaders and all concerned members to take peaceful dialogue as the “only viable way of ending conflict.”
The Cardinal further assured the Catholic Bishops and people of South Sudan of the AMECEA prayers during these difficult and tempting moments.
Fighting broke out in Juba between troops loyal to rival leaders President Salva Kiir and Vice President Dr Riek Machar on the eve of the five-year-old country’s independence anniversary July 7.
According to the UNHCR at least 300 people were killed and over 10,000 fled their homes after the violence in Juba.
UNHCR said the situation is being worsened by the devaluation of the South Sudanese pound, leading to skyrocketing prices and making the food that is available too expensive for many.
