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“We share your pain”: AMECEA Delegate Brings Message of Peace, Solidarity to Displaced Families in Sudan, South Sudan

Jude Atemanke

By Jude Atemanke

Malakal, 13 November, 2025 / 9:50 pm (ACI Africa).

A representative of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) has assured internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sudan and South Sudan of the Church’s continued solidarity, prayers, and commitment to peace across the region.

Speaking during a pastoral visit to displaced communities at the Malakal Protection of Civilians (PoC) in the South Sudan’s Catholic Diocese of Malakal, Bishop Flavian Matindi Kassala said the people of Eastern Africa “are always with Sudan and South Sudan — in difficult times and in good times.”

“I'm here to bring a message of solidarity, to make you understand that the situation you are passing through, we share it, we know it, we feel it. We have always been keeping you in our prayers,” Bishop Kassala, AMECEA’s Special Delegate to the ongoing Plenary Assembly of members of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSS-CBC), said on Wednesday, November 12.

He added, “I'm here as a messenger, I'm sent, and our message is a message of peace.”

“Our Lord Jesus Christ assured us that he left us peace; he gave us peace. And this is what we are sharing with you, our prayers, our wishes. That peace may reign in your country, in our countries,” Bishop Kassala said.

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The Local Ordinary of Tanzania’s Geita Diocese reminded the displaced communities that Jesus Christ promised peace, and that it is through peace that “human wishes become God’s wishes.”

“God loves us in all situations,” he said, adding, “He sends us to be messengers of peace. Even in hardship, remember we are with you — in your suffering and in your hope of returning home.”

Bishop Kassala urged all parties involved in the conflicts to allow God to “soften their hearts” and pursue reconciliation, saying, “God’s will is that everyone enjoys the salvation won through the blood and life of Jesus.”

He further challenged African leaders to translate their words about peace into action, stressing that true leadership means ruling for the good of the people.

“Sometimes we leaders talk about peace but do not practice peace,” he said. “May we begin to live what we speak.”

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He added, “May we be doing what we speak. Leaders of the nations, when they say they wish to rule their people, let them rule their people for the better.”

The Catholic Church leader continued, “Keep on praying with us as we keep praying with you. The Bishops of AMECEA, the people of AMECEA, assure you of their prayers, of their presence, and of their love. As you pray for your country, pray for other countries also.”

Bishop Kassala expressed gratitude to Bishop Stephen Nyodho Ador Majwok of Malakal and the Bishops of Sudan and South Sudan for their commitment to accompanying displaced communities.

“We pray for you, and we ask you to pray for us. Violence does not build — only peace creates. Let us all work for peace in every country of our region,” he said.

Jude Atemanke

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.

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