By Paschal Norbert
KIT, NOVEMBER 26, 2024 (CISA) – The Catholic bishops of Sudan and South Sudan have appealed for peace, reconciliation, and unity as both nations grapple with profound socio-political and humanitarian crises. They have called on neighbouring countries, IGAD, the African Union, and the United Nations to intervene to prevent further disintegration of the nations.
In a statement dated November 21, 2024, following the conclusion of their annual Plenary Assembly, held from November 12 to 19, 2024, at the Good Shepherd Peace Center in Kit, South Sudan, the bishops reflected on the state of the Church and the broader challenges faced by their communities, framing their discussions in the context of the just concluded Eucharistic Congress and the Golden Jubilee of the establishment of the Sudanese Church Hierarchy.
The plenary convened under the theme “One Body, One Spirit in Christ” (Ephesians 4:4), emphasized unity through faith.
“Our reflections have centered on the Eucharist that strengthens our unity and the challenges our people face in the current socio-political climate,” the bishops said in their communiqué.
The bishops expressed grave concern over the war in Sudan, which has persisted since April 2023, claiming thousands of lives and displacing millions. They condemned the lack of dialogue between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), describing the humanitarian impact as intolerable.
“We are deeply worried about the deteriorating socio-political situation in the Sudan which is the result of war that started since mid- April 2023 and it continuous with no chance for peace due to lack of dialogue between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Thousands of Sudanese lost their lives and millions fled their homes to seek refuge in relatively peaceful states or in neighboring countries. The humanitarian consequence on the civilians has gone beyond toleration and must be condemned in the strongest terms possible,” the bishops stated, urging Sudanese citizens to reject violence and prioritize peace.
The bishops made an impassioned plea for international and regional intervention to address the worsening crises in Sudan and South Sudan.
“We equally implore the neighbouring countries, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN) to prioritize their intervention to rescue Sudan from disintegration and restore peace,” they appealed.
The prelates also called on all warring parties in Sudan to uphold humanitarian law and refrain from obstructing access to lifesaving aid, emphasizing the urgent need for cooperation to alleviate the suffering of civilians.
Turning to South Sudan, the bishops highlighted the socio-economic and political challenges that have created significant humanitarian stress, particularly the non-payment of salaries to civil servants and armed forces for nearly a year.
“We are equally concerned by the continuous socio-political and economic crisis in South Sudan,” they wrote, underscoring the pressing need for sustainable solutions to these enduring issues.
The bishops expressed deep concern over the deteriorating socio-political landscape in South Sudan, marked by repeated delays in democratic elections and compounded by catastrophic floods that have submerged entire villages. These natural disasters, they say, add to ongoing human-induced crises, including violence targeting local communities.
“The local communities are still killing each other and being targeted by armed groups around the country,” the bishops noted, citing recent massacres in Wonduruba, killings in Kajo Keji, and clashes between armed youth and the South Sudan Peoples’ Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Nasir County.
In their appeal, the bishops called on the South Sudanese government and armed groups to respect life and protect civilians and property. They emphasized the need for swift implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and the timely conclusion of the anticipated 2024 Tumaini Consensus.
“We desire to see South Sudan transiting quickly from politicians-based power-sharing agreements to people-centered constitution promulgation, multiparty dialogue, and elections of government leaders,” stated the bishops.
They also implored international partners to support South Sudan in transitioning from humanitarian crises to sustainable development, emphasizing stability as a foundation for prosperity. In a plea for regional harmony, they called on neighbouring countries to respect South Sudan’s territorial integrity, cautioning that any encroachment could provoke local conflicts with far-reaching implications for regional stability.
