Church leaders in South Sudan, represented by 12 bishops and senior clergy from different Christian denominations under the South Sudan Council of Churches, have expressed grave concern over the worsening security and humanitarian situation in the country. They have called for urgent action to protect civilians and end escalating violence across several parts of the country. The senior clergy said continued violence is displacing communities, killing and abducting civilians, and restricting humanitarian access.
Archbishop Justin Badi Arama, Primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Chairperson of the South Sudan Council of Churches, spoke on behalf of the church leaders, saying that the continued violence in different parts of the country is worsening the humanitarian situation. He stated that the church leaders can no longer remain silent about intercommunal and political violence that has devastated communities and worsened the humanitarian crisis.
The church leaders have specifically highlighted renewed fighting and armed youth mobilisation in parts of Upper Nile and Jonglei states, which have resulted in deaths, displacement, and disruption of humanitarian operations. They also expressed concern over insecurity in Unity and Warrap states, where vulnerable communities continue to face violence and displacement.
In addition, the church leaders have raised concerns about attacks and insecurity along major roads in the Equatoria region, including Juba-Mundri, Juba-Torit, and Juba-Bor, which are threatening civilians and humanitarian operations. Parts of Yei River County also continue to experience armed insecurity, while communities in Western and Eastern Equatoria remain affected by armed confrontations and displacement.
Archbishop Badi called on the government, traditional authorities, armed groups, and communities to take immediate action to protect civilians, end violence and revenge attacks, and guarantee humanitarian access. He appealed to armed actors to end the fighting and embrace dialogue to address their differences.
The church leaders have outlined specific demands, including the immediate cessation of hostilities across the country, an end to the mobilization and arming of youth for violence, the protection of civilians in all parts of the country, and safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all affected communities. They have also called upon all conflicting parties and communities to choose restraint over retaliation, dialogue over confrontation, and reconciliation over revenge.
The church leaders have emphasized that the suffering of civilians has reached a point where silence is no longer an option. They have prayed that God will heal their wounded nation and give wisdom to their leaders. The situation in South Sudan remains dire, with many communities facing violence, displacement, and humanitarian crises.
Key points
- Church leaders in South Sudan have called for urgent action to protect civilians and end escalating violence across several parts of the country.
- The church leaders have specifically highlighted renewed fighting and armed youth mobilisation in parts of Upper Nile and Jonglei states.
- Archbishop Justin Badi Arama has called on the government, traditional authorities, armed groups, and communities to take immediate action to protect civilians and end violence.
