Catholic Bishops in Sudan and South Sudan condemned the murder of South Sudanese citizens, calling the incidents “heinous acts” fueled by hatred. Cardinal Mulla urged South Sudanese to avoid retaliation. A nationwide curfew was imposed in response to violent protests over the killings as the ongoing Sudan conflict aggravates humanitarian crises.
On January 17, 2025, Catholic Bishops from Sudan and South Sudan publicly denounced the murder of South Sudanese citizens in Sudan, labeling the killings as a “heinous act” motivated by deep-seated hatred and oppression. In a formal statement, Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla, who serves as President of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSS-CBC), urged South Sudanese nationals to avoid seeking revenge against Sudanese residing in South Sudan even amidst rising tensions following the killings.
In response to escalating violence, South Sudan’s police enforced a nationwide curfew beginning at 6 p.m. on the same day, following violent protests triggered by reports of the South Sudanese civilians being killed by the Sudanese army and allied factions. The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which ignited on April 15, 2023, involves the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) under General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) loyal to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leading to significant civilian casualties, displacements, and a humanitarian crisis affecting millions.
According to reports from Reuters, these protests resulted in at least three fatalities and seven injuries, highlighting the severe unrest within the capital. The challenges presented by the recent killings have raised concerns among religious leaders and the broader international community about the potential for further violence and instability within the region.
The statement from the Catholic Bishops follows a series of violent events in Sudan affecting South Sudanese citizens. The violent conflict in Sudan has been ongoing and has exacerbated tensions within the region, leading to calls for justice and restraint. The bishops’ condemnation emphasizes the religious and ethical responsibility to maintain peace and prevent retaliatory violence that could escalate the situation further.
The condemnation of the killings of South Sudanese citizens by Catholic Bishops underscores the complex and dire situation in Sudan, where ongoing conflict has resulted in widespread violence and humanitarian crises. Their appeal for non-violence and peace is critical in preventing further escalations. The situation remains tense, with the potential for continued conflict if peace efforts are not pursued actively.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
