By William Madouk
South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) has strongly condemned the killings of innocent South Sudanese citizens and other African nationals in Wad Madani, Al Gezira State reportedly by the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF).
Bishop James Lagos Alexander, the General Overseer of the Sudan Pentecostal Church (SPC), speaking on behalf of religious leaders, urged South Sudanese to refrain from retaliating.
“We, the leaders of South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) and the faithful of South Sudan with heavy hearts have learned of the unfortunate killings of South Sudanese and other African nationals at Wad Madani, Sudan on January 16, 2025,” he said.
“The mass atrocities and killings of helpless innocent people conducted systematically by Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) is unjustifiable,” he added.
He said that Churches and places of worship were targeted and deliberately bombarded by both factions in the conflict, adding that this is a violation of religious rights and worship.
“Whatsoever the case the Sudanese Government bears full responsibility over their forces,” he said.
The cleric cited that despite what had happened “we appeal to the Churches in Sudan to come together for Christian fellowship, solidarity and unity to stand firm in the midst of a hostile state in Sudan.”
He underlined that since the war flare-up in South Sudan churches in South Sudan have been supporting refugees with needed humanitarian assistance regardless of religious affiliations.
“Since the conflict began in Sudan in April 2023, the Churches in South Sudan have been supporting the refugees with necessary humanitarian assistance irrespective of their ethnic and religious backgrounds,” Alexander echoed.
Due to the worsening situation of the conflict and further displacements caused, SSCC noted that they will ensure coordinated and unified humanitarian relief support to the Sudanese refugees and returnees.
“Therefore, we the Church leaders call upon the Government of South Sudan, the Regional and International Community to hold the Government of Sudan accountable,” church leaders stressed.
The priests also demanded swift actions to protect civilians and bring perpetrators to justice without delay and further ensure atrocities including extrajudicial killings and human rights violations are never repeated.
“Furthermore, we appeal to the Government of South Sudan to take its responsibility in ensuring the safety of its citizens in Sudan and elsewhere including safe return to the country,” he said.
However, the Senior South Sudan clerics warned against retaliation quoting Matthew Gospel (Mt 5:44 which says “But I say, love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you.”
“To the citizens of South Sudan, we urge you to remain calm, refrain from the temptation of engaging in violence and abide by the culture of peace and coexistence with all your neighbours Jesus taught,” he said.
The men of God further extended their heartfelt condolences to immediate family members, relatives and all the people of South Sudan for the painful loss of beloved ones in Wad Madani, Sudan.
On Thursday night, a violent demonstration happened in a part of South Sudan as protestors expressed their rage against grave violations committed by SAF in the city of Madani.
Heavy gunfire could be heard in several parts of Juba city, Aweil, Bor and other states as police tried to disperse protestors.
In what seems to be a retaliation, it is reported there is looting and vandalism of shops and loss of lives in attacking businesses perceived to belong to Sudanese traders.
This is following the graphic footage circulating online depicting defenceless South Sudanese being rounded up, brutalized, slaughtered and killed, allegedly by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).