Lack of Trust and Arms Proliferation Threaten Peace in South Sudan

Rev. Justin Badi Arama from the South Sudan Council of Churches emphasized that the lack of trust and weapon proliferation are primary obstacles to peace in South Sudan. He urged for nationwide disarmament and dialogue among political leaders, calling for a collaborative effort to foster reconciliation and sustainable development amidst ongoing tensions and violence following a 2018 peace agreement.

Rev. Justin Badi Arama, head of the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) and primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, identified the lack of trust and the widespread availability of arms as primary obstacles to peace in South Sudan. In an interview with Radio Tamazuj, he highlighted that persistent violence in regions such as Upper Nile State illustrates the nation’s precarious stability, with recent conflicts displacing thousands.

Rev. Badi articulated, “The biggest threat to peace is the lack of trust.” He pointed out that mutual distrust exists among political leaders, civilians, and security forces. Additionally, he noted that the influx of weapons among various factions has exacerbated the nation’s instability and called for a prioritization of nationwide disarmament as an essential step in peace-building initiatives.

He urged political leaders to abandon retaliatory measures in favor of dialogue to prevent further violence, stating, “Choosing violence only deepens our crisis.” Rev. Badi emphasized the necessity for leaders to maintain composure and seek peaceful resolutions. He compared the painstaking progress towards stability in South Sudan to “planting seeds that require patience and care,” while urging citizens to remain hopeful.

Despite the challenges, he affirmed that religious leaders will continue to advocate for reconciliation, regardless of political opposition. “We will keep speaking, praying, and reminding leaders of their duties—even if they seem unresponsive,” he declared, underscoring that peace is achievable through the rejection of revenge and the acceptance of forgiveness.

Moreover, Rev. Badi stressed the pivotal role of cooperation among religious organizations, civil society, and international partners to foster sustainable development and security. His comments come in the wake of escalating political tensions, following clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile State, involving forces loyal to both President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar that resulted in multiple fatalities, including a senior military officer. South Sudan remains challenged by intermittent violence despite a peace agreement established in 2018 to conclude a five-year civil war.

In summary, Rev. Justin Badi Arama highlights the significant barriers to peace in South Sudan, notably the lack of trust and the proliferation of arms. His call for dialogue over violence and collaboration among various societal groups emphasizes a collective approach toward sustainable peace. Despite the ongoing challenges, he remains hopeful for a reconciliatory future, stressing the importance of patience and perseverance in the pursuit of stability.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org

About Marcus Chen

Marcus Chen has a rich background in multimedia journalism, having worked for several prominent news organizations across Asia and North America. His unique ability to bridge cultural gaps enables him to report on global issues with sensitivity and insight. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of California, Berkeley, and has reported from conflict zones, bringing forth stories that resonate with readers worldwide.

View all posts by Marcus Chen →

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *