By William Madouk
Religious leaders in Upper Nile State have joined voices urging the transitional government to take decisive steps to restore security. in the face of tensions.
This comes after a crucial meeting organized by regional office of South Sudan Council of Churches in Malakal, Upper Nile State.
The request is an effort by clerics to leverage their appr
oach and involvement in addressing the ongoing violence in Upper Nile, which is producing dread and terror among residents of Baliet, Ulang, and Nasir.
In a joint statement, 20 men of God from different denominations in Malakla town and PoC came together, in a discussion Chaired by His Lordship Bishop Stephen Nyodho Ador of the Catholic Church and SSCC Regional facilitator Mr. Simon Ador Thon.
“We the church leaders call for peaceful coexistence in the upper state and urge the citizens to remain calm as brothers and sisters in Malakal town and beyond,” they said.
“We have agreed to visit Ulang and Nasir through the help, of the government, the UMISS Civil Affairs office, and other UN agencies in Upper Nile state for peace dissemination,” it added.
Clergies called upon the state government to continue providing security and protect the properties of the citizens in Upper Nile State.
“We the church leaders have agreed to entrust the situation in Upper Nile in the hand of God through prayer and fasting in different Churches,” the men God stressed.
“We have also resolved to meet and engage the traditional leaders in Malakal to actively play their role in social co-existence and harmony among the people in the state,” they continued.
Church leaders affirmed that they have resolved to preach peace and reconciliation in churches and through the Local Radios in the Upper Nile state
“We call upon the citizens of Upper Nile to respect the laws of the State and amicably seek peaceful means to resolve their grievances,”
They also appealed to NGOs, UN Agencies, and UNMISS to continue their partnership with South Sudan Churches Upper Nile Region in the Peacebuilding process.
“We the church leaders urge the politicians to use constructive politics for the benefit of their citizens,” they concluded.