Christian and Muslim religious leaders from Sudan's Nuba Mountains have called for an end to fighting and urged parties to engage in dialogue to resolve the conflict. The appeal was made in a joint statement issued by the New Sudan Council of Churches and the Islamic Council, Nuba Mountains Region, following a three-day consultation in Yida, South Sudan. The leaders condemned the conflict that began on March 12 and has caused deaths, destruction, displacement, and trauma.
The conflict has spread across Heiban County, causing widespread devastation and humanitarian concerns. The religious leaders warned that continued violence is deepening divisions and damaging relations between communities. They called on all parties to stop armed hostilities and hate speech and to exercise restraint. The leaders also welcomed a ceasefire issued by the Government of Tasis and declared by the chairman and commander-in-chief of the SPLM/A-North.
The joint statement urged all sides to respect the ceasefire and create conditions for peace talks and reconciliation. The leaders called for meaningful and inclusive dialogue, justice and accountability, humanitarian assistance, protection of civilians, and efforts to address the root causes of the conflict. They also appealed to traditional authorities, women, young people, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to help promote reconciliation.
The consultation, held from September 21 to 23, was attended by Christian and Muslim religious leaders who represent the communities in the Nuba Mountains. The leaders signed the joint statement, which was endorsed by Rev. Barnaba Ibrahim Kacho, chairperson of the New Sudan Council of Churches; Moulana Abdulghadir Issa Ramadan, chairperson of the Islamic Council, Nuba Region; and Bishop Elsir Hassan Kuku, general secretary of the New Sudan Council of Churches.
The conflict has displaced civilians and disrupted livelihoods in parts of the Nuba Mountains, where humanitarian needs remain a concern. The religious leaders called on national, regional, and international actors to support humanitarian assistance and peace-building efforts. They expressed their commitment to promoting dialogue and reconciliation, saying that peace, reconciliation, and coexistence are possible.
The leaders emphasized that the future of the Nuba Mountains belongs to all its people and urged them to work towards unity and peace. The consultation was held under the theme "One Community, One People: United for Peace and Reconciliation." The joint statement reflects the shared concerns and aspirations of the Christian and Muslim communities in the Nuba Mountains.
The Nuba Mountains region has been affected by conflict, causing humanitarian concerns and displacement of civilians. The religious leaders' call for dialogue and an end to violence is a significant step towards peace and reconciliation. Key efforts are underway to address the root causes of the conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.
Key points
- Nuba religious leaders issue joint statement calling for end to violence
- Conflict in Nuba Mountains causes deaths, displacement, and humanitarian concerns
- Religious leaders urge national, regional, and international actors to support humanitarian assistance and peace-building efforts
