Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla has voiced concerns about the increasing problems faced by South Sudan since its independence in 2011, citing poor governance and ongoing conflicts as major issues. Despite the hope associated with independence, the country continues to suffer from civil strife, economic instability, and humanitarian crises. Peace agreements have seen little implementation, resulting in a dire situation for the populace.
In a recent address, Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla, the leading Catholic figure in South Sudan, expressed profound disappointment over the deteriorating conditions in South Sudan since its independence from Sudan in 2011. Cardinal Ameyu lamented that the anticipated benefits of independence have not materialized, and instead, challenges have worsened due to poor governance and the mismanagement of the country’s resources. He stated, “We thought that we were going to solve our problems. But it seems that problems have increased.” South Sudan, which became Africa’s newest country after a lengthy civil war, has been embroiled in conflict since 2013, following accusations by President Salva Kiir against former Vice President Riek Machar. Despite multiple peace agreements, violence has continued, creating a humanitarian crisis that has left around 25 million people in need of assistance, exacerbated by natural disasters and economic instability. A peace agreement established in 2018 called for a general election scheduled for December 2024; however, due to political maneuvering, this has been postponed to December 2026. The Cardinal highlighted the failure to implement critical reforms and called attention to the dire economic conditions, including rampant inflation and unpaid salaries for civil servants. Overall, both South Sudan and Sudan remain deeply affected by ongoing conflicts that have led to significant suffering among the populations.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011, after decades of civil strife, with hopes for a brighter future. However, the new nation has faced myriad challenges, including an outbreak of civil war in 2013 and ongoing political instability. South Sudan is characterized by a diverse ethnic landscape, with over 60 ethnic groups. Despite efforts to broker peace and foster national unity through various agreements, the country continues to experience violence and severe humanitarian crises. Simultaneously, its neighbor Sudan has also been embroiled in a brutal conflict, which began in April 2023, further complicating the regional landscape and humanitarian situation.
In conclusion, Cardinal Ameyu’s statements underscore the ongoing struggles faced by South Sudan and highlight the pressing need for effective governance and genuine commitment to peace. The unresolved issues stemming from past conflicts and the need for political will to implement peace agreements are critical for the nation’s future stability. Furthermore, the Cardinal advocates for dialogue and synodality as crucial strategies for fostering peace and unity among the people of South Sudan and their leadership.
Original Source: cruxnow.com
