Bishops from South Sudan and Sudan express alarm over delayed elections and ongoing civil strife, urging for adherence to peace agreements and humanitarian laws. The meeting underscores serious humanitarian implications due to conflict and calls for international support to address the crises effectively.
The recent meeting of bishops from South Sudan and Sudan in Eastern Equatoria has raised urgent concerns regarding the deteriorating peace situation in the region. They expressed that the repeated delays in holding democratic elections in South Sudan significantly undermine hopes for lasting peace. Although agreements to end the ongoing civil conflict had been established in 2018, including the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and a subsequent memorandum of understanding, the implementation of these agreements has faltered, leading to an extension of the election timeline to February 2027.
According to the bishops, it is imperative for the South Sudanese government and opposition groups to accelerate the progress of the R-ARCSS and finalize the Tumaini Consensus to avoid further delays. Additionally, they have urged the swift formation of a new constitution and appealed to the international community to provide ongoing support for South Sudan’s stabilization efforts. In recent developments, violence has erupted in Juba following the dismissal of a prominent security figure, highlighting tensions within the government.
Turning to Sudan, the bishops lament the humanitarian crisis stemming from the civil war that erupted in April 2023, leading to significant loss of life and mass displacement among civilians. They have condemned the dire humanitarian conditions and called for adherence to humanitarian laws from all involved parties, emphasizing the need for unrestricted access to aid for those in need.
The ongoing conflicts in South Sudan and Sudan have resulted in considerable humanitarian crises, with both nations grappling with political instability and violence. South Sudan has been embroiled in a civil war since 2013, while Sudan has faced worsening violence since early 2023. Despite previous efforts to broker peace through various agreements, political tensions and internal struggles continue to hamper progress toward stability and the restoration of democratic governance. The bishops’ recent statements reflect a deep concern for the plight of civilians caught in these crises and the urgent need for effective international intervention.
The bishops of Sudan and South Sudan have poignantly highlighted the challenges facing both nations, underscoring the detrimental impact of delayed elections and ongoing conflicts on their populations. Their call for action aims to prompt both local authorities and the international community to prioritize humanitarian needs and support the restoration of peace and stability within these regions.
Original Source: www.fides.org
