Catholic Bishops Call for Peaceful Coexistence Amid Sudan’s Crisis

Members of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference urge the Sudanese populace to reject violence and embrace peaceful coexistence. Their statement, following a meeting in South Sudan, highlights the worsening humanitarian crises due to ongoing conflict and calls for urgent international intervention to restore peace in Sudan.

In a recent statement following their meeting from November 12 to 19 at the Good Shepherd Peace Center in Kit, South Sudan, members of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSS-CBC) have called upon the Sudanese population to prioritize peaceful coexistence. They emphasize the necessity of rejecting violence and advocating for collaborative efforts towards achieving sustained peace amid the ongoing humanitarian crises and escalating conflicts within the nation.

The Bishops expressed their deep concerns regarding the worsening socio-political situation in Sudan, which has deteriorated as a consequence of the ongoing conflict that commenced in mid-April 2023. They noted that the absence of dialogue has perpetuated an environment devoid of peace, leading to a significant loss of life and the displacement of millions of Sudanese citizens seeking refuge in more stable regions or neighboring countries.

The SSS-CBC urged the international community, particularly Sudan’s neighboring countries, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN), to prioritize their intervention efforts aimed at preventing the potential disintegration of Sudan and facilitating the restoration of peace. In their emphatic appeal, they encourage all Sudanese people to “learn how to survive together, reject violence, and work for peace.”

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which escalated in mid-April 2023, has resulted in significant humanitarian consequences, with thousands of lives lost and millions displaced. The situation has spurred concerns from various sectors, including religious leaders, who recognize the urgent need for peace and reconciliation. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference, representing a faith-based perspective, underscores the importance of communal harmony and dialogue to address the pressing socio-political challenges. Their appeals for international intervention highlight the complex dynamics at play in Sudan and the necessity of collaborative efforts to restore peace.

In conclusion, the Catholic Bishops of Sudan and South Sudan advocate for mutual coexistence and vehemently reject violence as the ongoing conflict endangers the lives and livelihoods of many. They call for concerted efforts from both local citizens and international bodies to foster dialogue and peace-building initiatives. The urgency of their message resonates amid the humanitarian crises unfolding in Sudan, making their voices vital in the quest for restored stability and tranquility in the region.

Original Source: www.aciafrica.org