By William Madouk
South Sudanese Catholic Bishops have decried rampant insecurity and a dwindling country’s economy.
The clerics said the government’s failure to tackle insecurity led to hardship, poverty, and despair.
“The country is unable to manage the national economy, and this is leading to hardship, poverty, and despair, as well as a failure to provide security and basic services to the people,” the bishops said.
Archbishop of Juba Metropolitan Archdiocese, Stephen Ameyu said on Friday rural areas, which would boost food production for the country, have remained highly insecurity.
The clerics stressed that South Sudan is already grappling with unseen food insecurity that is expected to worsen due to climate shocks.
Bishop Ameyu also called on the government of national unity to prioritize peace countrywide.
“The government needs to seriously consider the issue of peace so that South Sudan is self-dependent economically.”
“We urge our leaders to serve rather than rule and to work for the good of all people rather than their own narrow interests.”
The church leaders further called on parties, regional bodies, and the international community to introduce new methods that benefit people.
“We believe that only by listening to the voice of ordinary people and addressing the root causes of problems, will our nation ever truly be at peace,” Ameyu noted.
Senior Catholic clerics voiced their concern about conflicts in neighboring DR Congo and Sudan spilling into the country.
The bishops cited the fact that violence is not a cure, adding that countering violence with violence would lead to forced migration and enormous suffering because little resources would be diverted to the military.
“We see these sad predictions coming true every day in South Sudan. We call on all political and military leaders, all those bearing arms and all people to refuse violence under any circumstances.”
The bishops in turn, commit to honor the pledge made by the Holy Father in support of a peaceful South Sudan.