Sudan and South Sudan Bishops’ Conference has called on the South Sudan leaders to engage in dialogue that can deescalate tension in the country.
His Eminence Stephen Cardinal Ameyu Martin Mulla made the call in a press conference over the weekend.
On behalf of the Sudan and South Sudan Bishops’ Conference, Cardinal Ameyu expressed that the church continues to be concern regarding the ongoing tension including arrest of the First Vice President Dr, Machar and other officials.
The cardinal stated that the Church remain committed in its call on leaders to engage in dialogue rather than confrontations.
“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
He called on the leaders to abide by what the agreement and ensure that the country do not return to war.
“We once again call on President Salva Kiir Mayardit, all political leaders and parties to the agreement including the R-TGoNU, to Honor their sacred obligation to the people of South Sudan and resist any temptation to revert to arms” 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.
Cardinal Ameyu appealed on the public to stand against war.
“We urge the Civil society, youth and women’s groups, traditional leaders, the internation community, and all the people of good will to stand together against war and for Peace” he said
He reiterated that there is a need for the public never to spread on listen to social media posts that incite violent.
“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.
Cardinal added that the rest of the opposition leaders as well as deployment of Uganda forces in the country heightenedtension and mistrust.
“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 heighten fear and mistrust such action risks returning our beloved country into a battleground for external interest and political manipulation” he said
