South Sudan’s Bishops alarmed by inflammatory language from senior military

Paul Samasumo – Vatican City

Despite the 2018 peace agreement and the establishment of a transitional unity government, clashes and tensions continue between the South Sudan People's Defence Force and fighters loyal to the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in-Opposition.

This week, South Sudan’s military ordered civilians, personnel from the UN mission, and other NGOs to evacuate three counties in Jonglei State in preparation for an operation against opposition forces.

Concern over violent rhetoric

Cardinal Ameyu expressed concern and dismay over a senior military leader in South Sudan who called for violence.

“Calling for indiscriminate violence against civilians in Jonglei State; Directing forces to ‘spare no lives’ is a direct call to genocide. We call on all the fighting forces not to heed any directive that risks victimising innocent civilians and pitting communities against each other,” said Cardinal in a message shared with Vatican News on Tuesday.

Dialogue within Unity Government

According to the United Nations, recent clashes in Jonglei have escalated to levels not seen since 2017.

Jonglei, located in eastern South Sudan on the border with Ethiopia, remains a hotspot as the South Sudan People's Defence Force seeks to halt an offensive by fighters loyal to the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in-Opposition.

“We urge all leaders in the Unity Government and those who are non-signatories to the Revitalised Peace Agreement to stop the war and embrace dialogue. Listen to one another and to the people you claim to serve. Citizens are not property—they are human beings. It is vital to understand their pain, hunger for peace, and desire to live in freedom,” said the Juba prelate.

Remembering Pope Francis

Cardinal Ameyu also recalled the late Pope Francis' visit to South Sudan and his frequent heartfelt pleas for an end to the bloodshed there. During his February 2023 visit, Pope Francis urged the country’s leaders to end violence and shun unreasonable ethnic affiliation in favour of a united nation.

The South Sudanese Cardinal further appealed to the international community, urging them not to give up on South Sudan.

“To all our partners, regional bodies, and the international community: the people of South Sudan are aware of your valuable contribution. You are our friends in deed, and we urge you, on behalf of the suffering people of our country, not to grow tired of doing what is right for them.”

Cardinal Ameyu concluded with a call for prayer: “I also appeal to our clergy, religious men and women, and all people of goodwill to dedicate this time to prayer for peace in our country.”