South Sudan Catholic Bishops Saddened by Fighting in Sudan, Calls for an End to Fighting and a Revert to Dialogue
By Sr. Henriette Anne FSSA
South Sudan Catholic Bishops have in one voice called upon Sudan to stop fighting and revert to dialogue in order to preserve the unity of the country and not further the suffering of the people.
“The majority of the people in Sudan are suffering and they yearn for peace. In order to preserve the unity of the country and not to further the suffering of the people, we call for an end to the fighting and revert to dialogue”.
On their Monday, April 17th statement, stated: “that they are deeply concerned for the loss of lives and properties, we are aware that many people are trapped by fighting away from their homes but with no way to access basic needs for their survival and their families”.
The statement signed by Archbishop Stephen Ameyu Mula, the president of Sudan and South Sudan Conference of the Catholic Bishops further called upon Christian communities in the Diocese of South Sudan to dedicate their time to prayers and fasting for their brothers and sisters in Sudan at this difficult moment.
They added, “Let us keep the spirit of Easter alive through prayers for peace to reign in Sudan, they continued, we are aware that families can suffer from the lack of basic needs when there is armed conflict. We pray for the protection of all the people caught in the conflict”.
Reflecting on the second letter of St. Paul to Thessalonians 3:13, “Never grow tired of doing what is right”, the church leaders stressed that the verse calls for prayers and for calm in Sudan.
“We stand in Solidarity with His Eminence Gabriel Card, Zubeir Wako, H.G Michael Didi the Archbishop of Khartoum, H.L. Tombe Trile of El-Obeid Diocese and H.L. Daniel Adwok the Auxiliary Bishop of Khartoum. On the same note, we pray for God’s protection of the Apostolic Nuncio to Khartoum H.G. Monsignor Luis Miguel Munoz Cardaba and indeed all our Christians and the people of Sudan”, the statement reads.
In a different statement dated 18th April 2023, from the Republic of South Sudan, the Ministry of the Presidential Affairs update on the unfolding situation in South Sudan, President Salva Kiir Mayardit, president of the Republic of South Sudan met the chairperson of the Sudan Sovereign Council, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and His Deputy General Mohmed Hamdan Dagalo. “In his discussion with both leaders, President Kiir persuaded them to agree to a humanitarian ceasefire. Their discussion ended with both parties agreeing to a 24-hour ceasefire, this will allow civilians to access essential supplies and also provide a safe window for the wounded to be taken to the hospital for medical attention”.
According to Eye Radio, at least three South Sudanese reportedly killed amid the clashes in the Sudanese capital city.
A report by the UN office in Khartoum states that at least 185 people have been killed and over 1800 wounded since the fighting erupted.