By Paschal Norbert
JUBA, JUNE 30, 2023 (CISA) – As displacement numbers continue to surge and delivery of assistance remains heavily constrained by insecurity, lack of access and funding shortfalls in Sudan, Most Rev. Stephen Ameyu Martin Mula has appealed to various dioceses in South Sudan to set up emergency centres for resettling refugees and returnees seeking safety in the country.
In a report by the Catholic Radio Network (CRN), the archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Juba said that people fleeing the crisis in Sudan ought to be given special consideration to settle in the country while encouraging Church organizations to continue helping in the humanitarian emergencies.
“It is not easy but you are managing it, the humanitarian situation in South Sudan has not peaked but is accelerating, I encourage you to continue to help in the emergency we have,” stated the archbishop during the opening of the South Sudan Catholic Bishops Ecclesiastical Provincial Council forum, which started on June 27 and ends, today, June 30.
UNCHR reports that approximately 2,152,936 individuals are now displaced internally in Sudan as a result of the conflict since April 15, 2023, and a cumulative of 30,812 households (137,357 individuals) have arrived in South Sudan as of June 27, 2023.
In light of the realities of war in Sudan, Archbishop Ameyu in his address also warned Church leaders to step up their efforts in peacebuilding and reconciliation in the country, especially in regions where there are pockets of violence.
“We need to set up our resolve for peacebuilding and peace-searching all over the country, we are experiencing little wars or skirmishes that could become full civil war if they are allowed to continue,” said the archbishop.
“I am grateful to you for having approved the topic we are to treat during these three days, which are geared towards provision for peace and reconciliation. Let us make peace and reconciliation our priorities,” he added.
Archbishop Ameyu also applauded the NGOs and solidarity groups working in the ecclesial province for their commitment to work in South Sudan.
According to UNHCR, over 16,000 refugees and asylum-seekers have crossed into Ethiopia and a total of 159,060 Sudanese refugees (counted) have arrived in Chad in search of safety and protection and they are now preparing for the possible arrival of as many as 245,000 refugees by the end of the year.
In the Central African Republic (CAR), an estimated 15,335 persons have arrived in the country from Sudan, including over 10, 634 Sudanese refugees and 4,701 Central African returnees.
