By Yiep Joseph
Sudan and South Sudan Bishops’ Conference has called on President Salva Kiir Mayardit and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar to engage in urgent dialogue.
The call for dialogue aims at de-escalating tensions that threaten peace in the country.
His Eminence Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla, speaking on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference during a press conference over the weekend, expressed deep concern over the current political climate.
The cardinal mentioned arrest of opposition leaders, including figures associated with Dr. Machar’s SPLM-IO party, and the controversial deployment of Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) as key factors contributing to the heightened anxiety and mistrust.
These events, he warned, risk plunging the nation back into conflict.
“from the beginning of this renewed crisis, we the church have stood frim in calling for restraints and commitment to the revitalized Agreement on the resolution of conflict in South Sudan(R-ARCSS),” he said.
“As Shepherds of the Church, we remain ready to mediate dialogue, to be a voice of the voiceless and to walk hand in hand with all who seek genuine peace,” he added.
The R-ARCSS, signed in 2018, was intended to end the devastating civil war that ravaged South Sudan. However, its implementation has been troubled with delays and disputes, leaving the country fragile and prone to renewed conflict.
The recent political developments have further strained the already delicate peace process.
Cardinal Ameyu emphasized the critical need for leaders to uphold their commitments under the R-ARCSS, urging them to prioritize dialogue over confrontation.
The cardinal also addressed the dangers of misinformation and hate speech, particularly on social media, which he warned could incite violence and exacerbate tribal tensions.
“Resist hate speech, tribal incitement and misinformation, especially through social media. do not let you hear hardened this land is yours and your children do not let it be soaked in blood again,” he said.
He expressed concern regarding the deployment of Ugandan forces, stating, “The arrest of opposition leaders and the involvement of foreign military forces especially the deployment of Uganda People Defense Forces (UPDF) has only served as the heightened fear and mistrust such action risks returning our beloved country into a battleground for external interest and political manipulation.”
Cardinal Ameyu called on civil society, youth and women’s groups, traditional leaders, the international community, and all people of goodwill to stand together against war and for peace.
He reiterated the Church’s readiness to facilitate dialogue and support all efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in South Sudan.