Bishop Christian Carlassare of Bentiu speaks on South Sudan’s challenges, including violence from ongoing political instability, the plight of displaced people, and food insecurity due to climate change. The Church remains committed to promoting hope, reconciliation, and unity among its diverse communities amid the turmoil. He calls for greater political readiness and voter education to ensure candidates prioritize the common good.
South Sudan, recognized as the world’s youngest nation, is experiencing a resurgence of violence as clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the White Army militia threaten its fragile peace. The postponement of elections, initially set for December 2024 to late 2026, exacerbates concerns regarding the stability of the country and the integrity of the 2018 peace agreement.
Amidst this troubling environment, Bishop Christian Carlassare of Bentiu emphasizes the Church’s dedication to fostering peace and providing hope to the local populace. In a recent interview, he described the Diocese of Bentiu as a community of faith supported by 450,000 Catholics and 350,000 Protestants, alongside practitioners of traditional religions, affirming that “as people of faith, we are called to bring hope to all.”
The Diocese encompasses a vast area of 38,000 square kilometers, containing seven parishes reliant on lay pastoral workers and catechists for community support. Bishop Carlassare commended these lay leaders as “the backbone of the Christian communities” amid what is one of the poorest regions in South Sudan, crippled by civil strife from 2013 to 2020.
Bishop Carlassare also addressed the humanitarian crisis facing Bentiu, home to the largest camp for displaced people in South Sudan, the Rucona camp, which houses 140,000 individuals. Despite peace agreements, many remain unable to return home, compounded by multi-year severe flooding affecting agricultural viability and displacing over a million people each year. He stated, “the flooding has also contaminated water sources” impacting public health.
In light of the ongoing crises, the bishop lamented the broader implications of climate change, asserting that environmental degradation diminishes the people’s resilience, exposing them to ongoing vulnerabilities. Concurrently, the conflict in nearby Sudan contributes to the influx of over a million Sudanese refugees into South Sudan, stretching the country’s resources further.
The political landscape remains precarious, with Bishop Carlassare expressing concerns about the readiness for elections and the motivations behind candidates. He stressed the importance of preparing voters to choose leaders dedicated to the common good rather than tribal affiliations. Furthermore, while oil revenues were anticipated to promote stability, they have instead fueled violence and division in the country.
Acknowledging recent clashes and the pressing need for dialogue, Bishop Carlassare stated, “We are deeply concerned by the growing confrontation… a vision of unity is crucial in order to bring South Sudan together in peace.” Throughout these challenges, the Church is committed to being a source of hope, prioritizing reconciliation and calls for unity in South Sudan.
Conclusion
The precarious situation in South Sudan, characterized by political instability, ethnic tension, and humanitarian crises, calls for a united effort to foster peace and reconciliation. The Church, represented by leaders such as Bishop Christian Carlassare, plays a vital role in sustaining hope and advocating for the common good amidst tremendous adversity. The emphasis on dialogue and unity is essential for securing a stable future for the nation.
In conclusion, South Sudan faces significant challenges including political instability, ethnic tensions, and humanitarian crises. Bishop Christian Carlassare of Bentiu highlights the Church’s commitment to offering hope and fostering reconciliation among the people. The focus on dialogue and unity is crucial for promoting peace and ensuring a prosperous future for the nation.
Original Source: www.vaticannews.va
