Cardinal Stephen Ameyu has urged South Sudanese to practice restraint and compassion following retaliatory violence against Sudanese nationals after alleged killings of South Sudanese refugees. He condemned the attacks and stressed the importance of unity against hatred, amid a civil war in Sudan marked by ethnic violence and significant humanitarian crises, including famine and widespread suffering.
Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla of Juba has urged restraint and compassion amid violence ignited by the alleged killings of South Sudanese refugees in Sudan. Reports indicated that retaliatory attacks resulted in the deaths of 16 Sudanese and numerous injuries as local youth confronted Sudanese nationals with machetes and clubs. The unrest intensified following a video depicting the killing of South Sudanese civilians by Sudan Armed Forces in Wad Madani, leading to a broader wave of violence against Sudanese communities.
In a press statement on January 17, Cardinal Ameyu appealed to South Sudanese citizens to gather strength in compassion rather than revenge against refugees. He condemned the cold-blooded murder of South Sudanese citizens, calling it an abhorrent act that should be denounced by all in their faith and as a compassionate society. The cardinal expressed solidarity with grieving families, emphasizing the need for unity among South Sudanese in combating hatred.
The deteriorating situation follows a civil war that has plagued Sudan since April 15, 2023, resulting from a power struggle between military leaders Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. In this brutal conflict, selective violence targeting black Africans, particularly in Darfur and Gezira, echoes historical persecution against marginalized communities in the region.
Amid these events, the cardinal reminded that oppressive regimes and systems fuel violence driven by ethnic and political discrimination. He highlighted the importance of resilience and unity within the South Sudanese community, stressing the need for fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all. Additionally, on January 16, the U.S. sanctioned al-Burhan for destabilizing Sudan and infringing on human rights, amidst reports of escalating humanitarian crises and ongoing atrocities.
The civil war has had devastating impacts, with over 638,000 individuals facing famine and millions requiring urgent humanitarian aid, resulting in an estimated 24,000 deaths since the conflict began. The cardinal’s message calls for an unwavering commitment to peace and understanding as the region grapples with the consequences of prolonged violence and suffering.
The context involves ongoing violence in Sudan, particularly following the collapse of peace and the onset of a power struggle that has led to widespread civil war and human rights abuses. Cardinal Ameyu’s statement seeks to address the growing tension between communities as retaliation follows the killings of South Sudanese refugees. The historical legacy of conflict and ethnic violence in the region underscores the necessity for compassion and restraint among affected populations.
In conclusion, Cardinal Ameyu’s call for compassion and restraint serves as a crucial reminder of the need for unity amid the violence in Sudan. His condemnation of the attacks against South Sudanese refugees emphasizes the need for communities to resist the cycle of revenge and work towards healing. The ongoing conflict continues to exacerbate humanitarian crises, demanding urgent attention and action from both local and international communities to alleviate suffering and restore peace.
Original Source: www.detroitcatholic.com
