By Paschal Norbert

JUBA, MARCH 5, 2026 (CISA)– The Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSSCBC) has strongly condemned the recent killing of hundreds of civilians in parts of South Sudan, calling the violence a grave sin against humanity and urging the government to take swift action to protect lives and bring perpetrators to justice.

In a statement issued on March 4, the President of SSSCBC and Archbishop of Archdiocese of Juba, Stephen Cardinal Ameyu, appealed to authorities to intervene urgently following deadly attacks in Ayod County and Abiemnhom County.

“We issue an urgent appeal to the transitional government at all levels. You are the custodians of the common good entrusted with the duty to protect life. We call upon you to act immediately and transparently, investigate these atrocities, bring the perpetrators to justice, and ensure that such evildoing does not happen again,” appealed Cardinal Ameyu.

According to reports, more than 100 people were killed in a deadly raid on Abiemnhom County in the early hours of Sunday, March 1, 2026, at around 4:00 am.

The Government of the Republic of South Sudan also confirmed the attack in an official statement issued by the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services.

In the statement signed by Information Minister Ateny Wek Ateny, the government said it was “deeply disturbed” by the attack, which occurred at approximately 4:29 a.m. on Sunday.

Authorities confirmed the killing of the County Commissioner of Awalnyap and the Executive Director of Abiemnhom County, alongside many civilians.

“We have also received reports of over 169 people having been killed and more than 68 wounded. The casualties include both civilians and members of law enforcement,” the government statement noted, adding that the figures remained subject to verification as recovery efforts continued.

The government condemned what it described as a “heinous and cowardly act of violence against innocent citizens and public officials,” warning that such attacks undermine peace, stability, and ongoing efforts toward reconciliation and national unity.

Security forces have been directed to restore order and investigate the incident to ensure those responsible are identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Reacting to the killings, the Catholic bishops said there could be no moral justification for violence against innocent civilians.

“There is no justification for murdering innocent civilians. Such acts are an offense against God, the author of life, and a grave sin against humanity,” the bishops said.

The Church leadership also called on authorities to deploy sufficient resources to protect vulnerable populations and prevent further attacks.

They urged communities to reject revenge and instead pursue dialogue and reconciliation as the only path toward lasting peace.

The bishops also appealed to humanitarian organizations and people of goodwill to assist communities affected by the violence, noting that many survivors are traumatized and in urgent need of psychosocial support and basic necessities.