(JUBA) – The Catholic bishops of South Sudan have called on political and military leaders to bring an end to the worsening violence and bloodshed across the country. In a strong message directed at both the government and the citizens, they urged for peace, healing, and a return to national unity.
The appeal was published under the title “Let Justice and Peace Embrace”, following the annual meeting of the Catholic Bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of South Sudan, which took place from 7 to 11 July 2025. The letter reflects deep concern over what the bishops describe as daily reports of killings, bombings, abductions, and community-level raids.
“It is with heavy hearts of grief that we are now conveying our dismay,” the bishops wrote, referencing attacks by both armed groups and government forces, including ambushes, aerial shelling, sexual violence, and forced recruitment.
The letter also condemns the ongoing suppression of civic space and media freedom in the country.
According to the bishops, this violence is tearing communities apart and leaving many innocent South Sudanese dead, injured, or forced to flee.
“Have we not suffered enough from the deadly guns and senseless killings in our past bitter experiences?” they asked. “Have we not seen too often how violence has silenced the hopes of our people and crippled peace and development?”
Since its independence on 9 July 2011, South Sudan has been plagued by conflict, civil war, and political instability. Despite repeated peace deals and international efforts to end the violence, many regions remain unsafe and heavily militarised.
In their message, the bishops directly challenged the country’s leaders. “The ongoing politically motivated violence is not justified; it is a betrayal of your noble calling,” they said. They called on those in power to act as guardians of the people and protectors of the national constitution.
“As Christians and believers in God, we are called to be witnesses of peace and justice,” they continued. “We urge you to become instruments of reconciliation and healing.”
The bishops also made specific recommendations to address the country’s urgent humanitarian crisis. They called for unrestricted humanitarian access to all conflict affected areas, the creation of protected corridors for aid, and tax exemptions for faith-based and relief organisations. These measures, they said, are essential to reach those suffering and displaced by conflict.
The statement highlighted the ongoing Jubilee Year of Hope in the Catholic Church, encouraging it to mark a turning point for South Sudan.
“Let this Jubilee Year of Hope be a new dawn for South Sudan,” the bishops wrote. “Let it be a time of national conversion and reconciliation, a moment when the guns are totally silenced, and the wounds begin to heal.”
Faith leaders have played a major role in efforts toward peace in South Sudan, often stepping in when political talks fail. The bishops’ message aligns with the visit of Pope Francis to the country in February 2023, where he appealed directly to the nation’s leaders to lay down their weapons and work for peace.
They ended the letter with a spiritual appeal, urging all South Sudanese to commit to rebuilding the country through truth, justice and forgiveness.
Humanitarian and Religious Aid Recommendations by Bishops
| Recommendation | Details |
|---|---|
| Humanitarian Access | Unimpeded access to conflict zones for aid groups |
| Protected Aid Corridors | Establish safe routes for humanitarian deliveries |
| Tax Exemptions | Relief and faith-based organisations to receive tax relief |
| National Reconciliation | Political, military, and community groups urged to pursue forgiveness and unity |