South Sudan peace appeal from Catholic bishops
The Catholic Bishops of South Sudan have urged government and opposition leaders to immediately halt hostilities and take concrete steps to fully implement the Revitalized Peace Agreement. They linked the appeal to rising insecurity, displacement, and deepening humanitarian suffering across the country.
Juba briefing highlights clashes in Jonglei, Eastern Equatoria
Speaking to reporters in Juba while presenting a bishops’ communique, Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Juba, criticised recent fighting involving government forces, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO), and other armed groups.
He said the clashes, especially in Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria, are aggravating political, security, and humanitarian pressures, according to the church’s statement. The communique framed the violence as a setback to stabilisation efforts envisioned under the peace framework.
Church urges dialogue over military solutions
Cardinal Ameyu urged leaders to avoid sidelining genuine dialogue and to reject military solutions to political and social differences. He called for immediate engagement in what he described as honest discussions aimed at restoring peace and trust among communities.
“Do you have this country and its people in your heart, or are you only concerned with the pursuit of power and wealth?” Cardinal Ameyu asked. He appealed for sincere dialogue and peacebuilding across political divides.
Displacement, hunger and urban insecurity raise alarm
The cardinal expressed concern about widespread displacement and hunger, describing harsh conditions faced by civilians. He also pointed to a reported surge in armed robbery targeting motorists and residents, including incidents in Juba, which he said reflects a broader deterioration in public safety.
Warning over hate speech and tribal incitement online
The bishops condemned inflammatory messages circulating on social media, arguing that such content encourages tribalism and can fuel violence. The communique urged restraint in public messaging and called on citizens and leaders alike to avoid rhetoric that heightens tensions.
Controversy over alleged remarks by General Johnson Olony
The church also denounced remarks attributed to General Johnson Olony, identified in the statement as Deputy Chief of South Sudan Defense Forces. According to the bishops, he allegedly called for indiscriminate violence against civilians in Jonglei.
The bishops described the alleged statement as “a direct call to genocide” and urged fighters not to act on such orders. The communique presented the issue as a test of leadership responsibility and discipline within armed structures.
Unity government urged to listen to citizens’ demand for peace
Cardinal Ameyu called on leaders in the unity government and opposition groups to stop the war, embrace peace, and listen to the people they claim to represent. The communique stressed that South Sudanese citizens are human beings, “not property,” and deserve peace and freedom.
Prayer and civic responsibility framed as national duty
He concluded by calling on clergy, religious communities, and “all people of goodwill” to dedicate time to prayer for peace, invoking Mary, the Queen of Peace, to intercede for the nation.
“This country is more than any human desire,” he said. “Let us care for it and protect ourselves as long as God gives us a new day.” The message positioned peace as both a moral imperative and a shared civic responsibility.