The Bishops of the Sudan and South Sudan Conference have united in a powerful plea to President Salva Kiir Mayardit, First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, and all political parties to honor their sacred duty to the people of South Sudan and resist the urge to return to violence.
In a statement issued on Saturday, March 29, Stephen Amyu Martin Cardinal Mulla, President of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSS-CBC), called on all parties involved to refrain from seeking revenge.
Cardinal Mulla urged Kiir, Machar, and others to set aside retaliation and instead embrace forgiveness and solidarity, stressing that the people of South Sudan have endured enough suffering.
“War has taken their children, their homes, their futures, and yet again, the dark clouds of conflict loom over our nation,” the Cardinal lamented.
He added, “The arrest of the opposition leader and the involvement of foreign military forces—particularly the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defense Force—have only intensified fear and mistrust.
The Cardinal condemned the recent clashes between the SSPDF and SPLM-IO, the detention of political leaders including Dr. Riek Machar, and the escalating displacement of innocent civilians, particularly women and children. These actions, he said, represent a tragic setback to the peace South Sudan has long sought and prayed for.
The bishops warned that if South Sudan descends into full-scale violence again, the consequences will be catastrophic, leading to the collapse of national unity and the destruction of fragile institutions, with devastating effects for future generations.
While acknowledging the resilience and unity of the South Sudanese people, the bishops urged all parties to recommit to dialogue and to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.
Cardinal Mulla emphasized the importance of working towards a peaceful society where all citizens feel safe and valued.
The Church reaffirmed its dedication to mediating dialogue, being the voice of the voiceless, and collaborating with all those genuinely committed to peace.
The Cardinal called on civil society, youth and women’s groups, traditional leaders, and the international community to unite in opposition to war and stand together in the pursuit of peace.
