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Juba – Al-Wadi Newspaper
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in South Sudan has voiced deep concern over what it described as a “lack of commitment by peace partners” to the full implementation of the peace agreement, particularly the permanent ceasefire, amid growing security tensions in several parts of the country.
In a press statement issued on Friday from the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) compound in Juba, Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Mulla, speaking on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference, expressed regret over the deteriorating situation and warned of the dangers of continued armed escalation.
Cardinal Ameyu stated that the Church had received credible reports of aerial bombings targeting civilian-populated areas, which he called a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement. He urged all parties to immediately cease hostilities and refrain from harming innocent civilians.
The Bishops’ Conference also called on the authorities and all relevant stakeholders to ensure unrestricted and urgent humanitarian access to all conflict-affected areas, stressing that the humanitarian situation requires swift and unhindered response.
In his message to the country’s political leadership, the Cardinal reminded them of Pope Francis’ historic visit to South Sudan, and his repeated appeals for genuine and lasting peace.
“We call on political leaders to reflect on the Pope’s words, in which he urged peace as the only path to building a nation rooted in stability and human dignity,” he said.
The Church’s statement comes at a time when several areas of the country are witnessing rising tensions, sparking fears of a resurgence of violence and further deterioration of the humanitarian situation. Religious and community leaders have joined in calling for a renewed commitment to the signed peace agreement.
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