Christian and Muslim religious leaders in the Nuba Mountains, spanning South and West Kordofan states, have issued a joint call for an immediate end to armed violence and hate speech. They urged all parties to pursue dialogue and reconciliation, stressing the devastating impact of the conflict on local communities. The appeal was made by the Sudanese Council of Churches and the Islamic Council of the Nuba Mountains.
The joint statement was released following consultations held from September 21 to 23 at Yida refugee camp in Ruweng, South Sudan. The meeting, themed “One Society, One People, United for Peace and Reconciliation”, addressed the humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict that began on March 12, 2026, in Heiban locality in South Kordofan. The conflict has resulted in deaths, destruction of livelihoods, and displacement of thousands.
Bishop El Aiser Coco emphasized that civilians’ lives, dignity, and security must take precedence over political, military, and tribal interests. He urged all sides to stop violence and inflammatory rhetoric, exercise restraint, and give dialogue a genuine opportunity. The conflict has deepened fear and trauma among local populations, Coco noted.
The joint statement called for an end to hostilities, serious and inclusive dialogue, justice, and tolerance. It also emphasized the need for community reconciliation, confidence-building, humanitarian assistance, and action on the root causes of the conflict. Furthermore, the statement stressed the importance of protecting civilians and human dignity.
Coco urged communities across the Nuba Mountains to remain calm and avoid actions that could inflame tensions. He appealed to traditional leaders, women, youth, civil society, and political leaders to support peacebuilding. Communities should choose “dialogue instead of violence, reconciliation instead of hatred, tolerance instead of revenge, and coexistence rather than division”, Coco said.
The leaders also appealed to local, regional, and international actors to support peace efforts, provide humanitarian assistance, and help address the root causes of the conflict. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Sudanese Council of Churches and the Islamic Council of the Nuba Mountains.
The Nuba Mountains region has been affected by the conflict that started in March 2026. The joint appeal by Christian and Muslim leaders aims to bring an end to the violence and promote peaceful coexistence among communities.
Key points
- The conflict in the Nuba Mountains has caused deaths, destroyed livelihoods, and displaced thousands.
- The joint statement called for an end to hostilities, serious and inclusive dialogue, justice, and tolerance.
- The leaders appealed to local, regional, and international actors to support peace efforts and provide humanitarian assistance.
