Rev. Justin Badi Arama of the South Sudan Council of Churches warns that the proliferation of arms and a lack of trust are major threats to peace in South Sudan. He calls for immediate disarmament and encourages dialogue over violence among leaders. The peace process requires patience and community collaboration amidst ongoing political tensions and violence.
Rev. Justin Badi Arama, the head of the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) and primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, recently expressed grave concerns over peace in the nation. He identified widespread arms availability and a pervasive lack of trust as the foremost challenges to achieving stability, particularly highlighted by violent incidents in regions such as Upper Nile State.
According to Rev. Badi, distrust permeates all levels of society, indicating that “the biggest threat to peace is the lack of trust.” He noted that this distrust exists not only between political leaders but also between civilians and security forces, as well as among organized military factions.
This situation is exacerbated by the unchecked proliferation of weapons among various groups. Rev. Badi called for immediate disarmament efforts as a crucial step toward peace-building, urging authorities to prioritize this matter.
He further implored political leaders to favor dialogue over retaliation, stating, “Choosing violence only deepens our crisis”. His message emphasized the need for calmness and a commitment to non-violent resolutions for ongoing tensions.
Rev. Badi compared the peace process to planting seeds that require time and care, urging citizens to maintain their hope for a more stable future. He reassured that religious leaders would continue to champion reconciliation, regardless of political setbacks, emphasizing the necessity of relentless advocacy for peace.
“We will keep speaking, praying, and reminding leaders of their duties—even if they seem unresponsive,” he asserted, adding that peace is achievable when communities reject vengeance in favor of forgiveness.
Collaboration among religious organizations, civil society, and international stakeholders was also underscored as vital for sustainable development and security. The call for unity comes amid a backdrop of escalating political tensions, notably violent clashes occurring recently in Nasir, Upper Nile State, involving factions aligned with President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, resulting in multiple casualties.
Despite a 2018 peace accord that aimed to resolve a prolonged civil conflict, South Sudan continues to face challenges from periodic violence.
In conclusion, Rev. Justin Badi Arama highlighted that mistrust and the proliferation of arms pose significant threats to peace in South Sudan. He called for disarmament, dialogue, and collaboration between leaders and communities, emphasizing that peace requires patience and commitment. His advocacy for reconciliation continues amidst ongoing political tensions, demonstrating the need for sustained efforts toward achieving stability in the region.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
