“Citizens are not properties”: Catholic Bishops Condemn Renewed Fighting in South Sudan

Referring to their 2025 calls for peace in the country where they raised concerns twice on behalf of the suffering people of South Sudan to the political leaders, the Catholic Bishops say, “We are coming again with urgency to reiterate our appeal for dialogue, unity, peace and reconciliation in the Republic of South Sudan.”

In July 2025, the Bishops decried what they described as the wrongful use of “military action” at the expense of dialogue to address socio-political challenges in South Sudan, attributing it as the reason behind the protracted violent conflicts in the country.

Despite the Catholic Church leaders’ continued calls for peace, some parts of South Sudan are reportedly still experiencing renewed fighting.

On January 26, South Sudan’s military reportedly ordered civilians, UNMISS staff, and NGO personnel to evacuate Nyirol, Uror, and Akobo counties in Jonglei State within 48 hours ahead of a planned major offensive named Operation Enduring Peace against SPLA-IO positions.

Reports emerged on January 27 of fresh clashes and South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) assaults on SPLA-IO positions in Ayod County, Jonglei State on January 27, with both sides reportedly mobilising forces and heavy fighting continuing.

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As of January 27, South Sudan’s government publicly urged SPLA-IO to halt fighting, warning that rebel advances in Jonglei could reignite full-scale civil war.

Just like in their previous messages, the Bishops attribute all the incidences of insecurity and violence in the World’s youngest nation to the lack of implementation of the security arrangements as stipulated in the Revitalised Peace Agreement of 2018.

“As Shepherds and leaders in this country, we are alarmed and surprised by the total disregard for the full implementation of the revitalised peace agreement,” the Bishops say in their January 27 statement that the President of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSS-CBC), Stephen Ameyu Martin Cardinal Mulla of the Catholic Archdiocese of Juba, signed.

The Bishops lament that the growing discord within the Unity Government, attacks and counterattacks between the warring parties in many parts of the country, is spreading rapidly, causing displacements, hunger, and many other inhuman conditions.

“There is an alarming increase in armed robbery of motorists and the common people, even in the city of Juba and other parts of the country,” they say. 

In the statement, the Catholic Bishops in South Sudan also express their concern over what they refer to as “the issuing of wild messages in the social media, which amplify hate speech, misinformation and disinformation.”

“The worst part of this kind of communication in social media is the promotion of tribal sentiments and incitement,” they say, and add, “We call on all the fighting forces not to heed to any directive that risks victimising innocent civilians and pitting communities against each other.”

The Bishops, however, encourage all peace-loving people not to lose hope in God, saying, “a hope which will not let us down, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit which has been given to us”.

“Let us hold to prayers for this country. This country is more than any human desire; it's a home for a thousand generations to come. Let us care for it and protect ourselves as long as God gives us a new day,” they say, adding, “We do not have other South Sudan to migrate to, so let's work for what unites us.” 

To all the partners, including regional bodies and the international community, the Bishops say, “The people of South Sudan are aware of your valuable contribution. You are our friends indeed, and we urge you on behalf of the suffering people of our country not to grow tired of doing what is right for them.” 

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The Catholic Bishops call upon the members of the Clergy, Religious men and women and all people of goodwill “to dedicate this time for special prayer for peace in our country.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.