Church leaders in South Sudan call for lasting peace deal
February 6, 2015 (KAMPALA) – Various Churches leaders in South Sudan’s
Unity state have called for peace to be restored in the country as the two warring parties recommit to the formation of a transitional government of national Unity (TGNU) in the Ethiopia capital, Addis Ababa.
A national ecumenical prayer was held in Leer town last week, the home of former Vice-president Riek Machar, calling for peace and lasting reconciliation in volatile areas in the Greater Upper Niles region.
The ecumenical prayer service has been conducted monthly as part of efforts at a grassroots level to promote peace and reconciliation.
Church leaders have urged authorities and the faithful to unite in one prayer asking for peace in South Sudan and a return to normal life for those affected by the conflict.
The Episcopal, Presbyterian, Evangelical and Catholic churches took part in the Leer prayer service.
“A special prayer is needed for the peace talks that now are taking place in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. In one voice all the participants in the prayer [service] implore God to make the year 2015 the year of peace for South Sudan,” Church leaders said.
The leaders say lasting peace is the only way forward for South Sudan and ensure a prosperous future for the young nation.
Churches have also called on the country’s youth to work towards peace and resist being influenced by tribal ideology.
Some South Sudanese have called for the country’s churches to be given a greater role in mediation efforts on the ground, saying they have an important part to play in rebuilding trust at community level.
South Sudan has been embroiled in conflict since mid-December 2013 when a political dispute within the country’s ruling party (SPLM) turned violent.
The fighting has pitted pro-government forces against rebels loyal to Machar and seen an explosion in tribal tensions across the country.
The conflict has displaced some 1.9 million people and there are fears South Sudan could face a famine should the warring groups fail to agree on a peace deal.
(ST)