Bishops of South Sudan and Sudan have voiced concerns over postponed elections, urging the government and opposition to expedite the peace process following years of civil conflict. The humanitarian crisis in Sudan further exacerbates the situation, prompting demands for adherence to humanitarian law and international support for stability in both nations.
The Bishops of South Sudan and Sudan have expressed grave concerns over the dwindling hopes for sustainable peace in South Sudan due to repeated delays in upcoming democratic elections. During a recent meeting in Kit, Eastern Equatoria, they reiterated the necessity for the government and opposition groups to expedite the implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). They highlighted the urgent need for a new constitution and appealed for continued international support.
The civil unrest in South Sudan, stemming from a conflict that erupted in December 2013 between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, has severely hindered progress towards stability. Although a peace agreement was established in 2018 aimed at resolving this conflict, elections scheduled for this year have been postponed to February 2027, further delaying the prospect of peace.
Simultaneously, the bishops condemned the humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing civil war in Sudan that began in April 2023, which has resulted in significant loss of life and mass displacements. They implored all parties to respect humanitarian laws and to facilitate the delivery of aid. Recently, violence erupted in Juba following the wrongful dismissal of the former head of the National Security Service, an event indicative of the internal strife within the current regime.
The article addresses the precarious political and humanitarian situation in South Sudan and Sudan. It highlights the ongoing civil conflict in South Sudan, which has persisted since 2013, leading to significant political instability and continuous humanitarian problems. The bishops’ concerns regarding election postponements emphasize the struggles for democratic governance and effective conflict resolution in the region. Similarly, the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan following the recent civil war illustrates deep-seated issues that necessitate urgent international attention and intervention.
In summary, the Bishops of South Sudan and Sudan have called for immediate actions from both the government and opposition to fulfill peace agreements and facilitate democratic elections, which are crucial for restoring stability. The grave human toll from ongoing conflicts in both countries underscores the need for international support and adherence to humanitarian principles. It is imperative to heed their calls for prompt measures to alleviate the suffering of affected populations.
Original Source: www.fides.org
