South Sudan: SSCC Urges Leaders to Prioritize Peace Amid Violence

The South Sudan Council of Churches has called for political leaders to focus on dialogue and the welfare of citizens amid escalating violence, emphasizing the need for implementation of the R-ARCSS and urging for unity and reconciliation in the nation.

The South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) has issued a call to the leaders of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) to prioritize dialogue over conflict and to put the welfare of the citizens ahead of political ambitions. On March 6, SSCC expressed its alarm regarding the escalating violence and political instability within the country.

The leaders highlighted that the 2018 R-ARCSS remains a beacon of hope for South Sudan. They noted that this agreement is currently jeopardized by rising hostilities and a lack of political will among the involved parties, emphasizing the need for renewed commitment to peace and justice.

Church leaders lamented the recent violence in regions such as Upper Nile, Western Equatoria, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and Southern Warrap, which has resulted in the loss of innocent lives, family separations, and mass displacements. They have called for the release of officials detained amid the tensions to encourage peace.

The SSCC leaders urged political figures to address the ongoing hostilities decisively and to ensure effective implementation of the R-ARCSS, recognizing that the future of South Sudan depends on the choices made in the present. They commended the leaders’ commitment to peace, particularly referencing statements made by political leaders against returning to war.

The SSCC expressed support for the recent proactive measures taken by the president to mitigate tensions in Upper Nile and reassured their commitment to promoting peace, justice, and reconciliation across the nation. They are dedicated to advocating for forgiveness and healing while continuing to pray for the welfare of all South Sudanese.

As tensions rise amid conflicts involving the armed forces and local groups, particularly in Upper Nile, the SSCC has called upon the people of South Sudan to seek divine guidance during this time of Lent. They remind the citizenry that stability and prosperity require a collective effort towards peace, reflecting the ongoing struggles that have followed the country’s independence, which was marred by civil conflict and ongoing poverty.

In conclusion, the South Sudan Council of Churches has urged leaders to prioritize dialogue and the well-being of the populace amid escalating violence. They stress the importance of implementing the R-ARCSS and maintaining commitment to peace, while calling for unity and divine guidance. The current situation highlights the fragility of peace and the urgent need for reconciliation in South Sudan.

Original Source: communications.amecea.org