Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The Catholic Bishops Conference of South Sudan and Sudan has cautioned that the arrest of opposition leaders and the involvement of foreign military forces, particularly the UPDF, could turn the country into a battleground for external interests and political manipulation.
In a statement released on Saturday, March 29, the Bishops expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and the deteriorating political climate in the country.
They highlighted the ongoing clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in Opposition (SPLA-IO), alongside the recent arrest of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
They also noted the increasing displacement of civilians, particularly women and children, as a tragic reversal of the peace the people of South Sudan had long hoped and prayed for.
The Bishops, echoing the sentiments of Pope Francis in his 2023 message, urged the country’s leaders to resist the temptation of returning to arms.
“No more bloodshed, no more conflict, let there be peace in South Sudan,” the Bishops quoted Pope Francis in their statement. They emphasized the need for peace and warned that continued violence would have devastating consequences for the country.
Archbishop Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla, one of the leading voices of the Catholic Bishops, expressed the religious community’s concerns over the situation.
He stated, “The arrest of opposition leaders and the involvement of foreign military forces, especially the deployment of the Ugandan People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), has only served to heighten fears and mistrust. Such actions risk turning our beloved country into a battleground for external interests and political manipulation.”
He further warned that if South Sudan were to return to full-scale violence, it would result in catastrophic consequences, including loss of lives, collapse of national unity, and the breakdown of already fragile institutions.
“The political neglect of the suffering of our people—the poor, the displaced, the orphans, and the widows—will not go unremembered by God,” Archbishop Ameyu cautioned.
The Bishops also called on civil society groups, youth, women’s organizations, and the international community to unite against the war and work towards peace.
They urged the people of South Sudan to resist hate speech, tribal incitement, and misinformation, particularly on social media.
In his appeal, Archbishop Ameyo emphasized that the Church would continue its efforts to mediate dialogue, serve as a voice for the voiceless, and collaborate with all those genuinely seeking peace.
“We remain ready to mediate dialogue, to be a voice for the voiceless, and to work hand in hand with all who seek genuine peace,” he said.
He concluded by calling on the South Sudanese people to stay strong and reject hate and division, emphasizing the responsibility of the political leaders to prioritize peace.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good,” Archbishop Ameyo urged. “The future of South Sudan depends on the choice made today. May the Lord bless South Sudan, and may the Queen of Peace intercede for her healing.”
As the nation continues to face rising political and social challenges, the Bishops’ message serves as a call for unity, dialogue, and a commitment to peace. They stressed that the fate of the country lies in the hands of its leaders and its people.
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