Caritas Juba Bounces Back with Focus on Poverty Reduction, Peacebuilding in South Sudan

The Church leader further said, “Today in South Sudan, there are many man-made and natural disasters and all of us are trying to help people in the situation of disasters so that they can also cope with life.”

He encouraged Caritas Juba officials to particularly pay attention to the plight of those fleeing the war in neighboring Sudan.

“The influx of people, returnees from Sudan is one of the biggest problems we are facing in South Sudan and I hope that Caritas Juba will try to help our brothers and sisters who are returning from Sudan,” he said. 

The Local Ordinary of Juba Archdiocese who was named Cardinal on July 9 also called on Caritas Juba officials to promote social justice. 

“Social justice is important for each of us because it reduces poverty,” he said, and added, “The Church through its social wing tries to promote social justice.”

Caritas Juba officials are also expected to support sustainable development initiatives, Archbishop Ameyu said, and explained, “From the grassroots level, all of us must try to begin to see what the causes of poverty are… and try to help people develop. Development is not only material, but also spiritual, giving hope to people.”

The 59-year-old Cardinal-Designate further said, “A comprehensive approach to the problems of humanity can be the way to sustainable development.” 

“It is important that the Church in its social wing ensures access to education. Access to education should be made to all people who are living in Juba. This is the only way we can alleviate poverty,” Archbishop Ameyu said.

He continued, “Many people don't have access to healthcare and so many of our people die of Malaria. We hope the social wing will help the Archdiocese of Juba improve healthcare access.”

Archbishop Ameyu also underscored the need for Caritas Juba officials to work for human rights and peace saying, “Without human rights we are not going to have stability. If the human rights of every person is violated, there will be chaos.”

“The role of the Church is to give each one his own right. The right to education, the right to live freely, and the right to advocate. All these rights are important for the wellbeing of the human person. Just begins when we respect human rights. When there is no respect for human rights, there will always be wars and chaos,” the Archbishop of Juba said.

He continued, “Peacebuilding is part of comprehensive human development. Without peace there is no comprehensive human development. Peace is a gift from Christ but this peace has to be worked out by men.”

“Peace cannot come out of just signing peace. It comes when we are able to give through dialogue each and everyone his own right,” Archbishop Ameyu said.

He encouraged Caritas Juba officials and their partners to work together collectively and collaboratively to eliminate human suffering in the Catholic Archdiocese of Juba and South Sudan as a whole.

Also speaking during the August 9 event, the Auxiliary Bishop of Juba, Santo Loku Pio who is also one of the Board of Directors at Caritas Juba said the closure of the Caritas Office was a setback for the Archdiocese to have this important pillar of the Church remaining inactive for a very long time.

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“When we closed down we could see the gap clearly, the need for humanitarian assistance. Our people look at us with the eyes of faith because Pope Francis has mandated us to give preferential options for the poor,” said the 53-year-old Auxiliary Bishop.

Bishop Loku stated that Caritas carries a lot of responsibility for the people who need more support and assistance, especially the influx of returnees and refugees from Sudan displaced by the ongoing War between Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Paramilitary Rapid 

The Church leader appealed for more partnership and cooperation with humanitarian agencies to provide what he termed as the much-needed assistance to the people in need.

Kerbino Kuel Deng contributed to the writing of this story