Cardinal Zubeir Wako calls for calm, end to violence in Sudan
Appeal for Calm, and an End to Violence in the Sudan
Message from Gabriel Cardinal Zubeir Wako
Brothers and Sisters,
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord (Job 1:21). We mourn the sudden death of Dr John Garang de Mabior.
He came to us with a message of peace and hope for all the Sudanese. Our President and the Vice President reiterated Dr Garang’s message and made it their own, and a program of the Government.
But now, even before Dr Garang is laid to rest, war has broken out, violence has erupted almost all over the country.
I speak to all the Sudanese people. I am sure all of you remember Dr Garang’s words, words full of conviction and clarity: – no more war; peace has come to stay; Sudan is one; all in it are brothers and sisters; it is a Sudan in which all the Sudanese will live and work together for a better and happier future; a Sudan of progress and development; a Sudan that cares for its people, especially the poorest, the weakest, and the most abandoned of them. – The President said the same.
Brother, Sister, throw down that knife, that stick, that spear, that gun. Stop fomenting hatred and bitterness among the people. Why are you killing? Why are you harming your brother and sister? Why are you spreading fear? What do you get out of violence?
Out of respect for our departed and beloved brother Dr John Garang, out of respect for our President, and our Second Vice President, and respect for our country: stop the violence. A new Sudan has been born. Say goodbye to violence. Say welcome to peace. I appeal that Khartoum be the capital from which peace spreads out to envelope the whole country.
All, or most of us, believe in God who is peace, goodness, mercy and love. Which God do you believe in if you hurt or kill your brother or sister?
I invite everyone to pray that God in his mercy and compassion put a definitive stop to the tragedy that is unfolding.
I appeal to the civil and security authorities to do all in their power to ensure real security for all the citizens everywhere in the Sudan. And to do so with determination, honesty and good will towards all the citizens.
God bless you all
– Gabriel Cardinal Zubeir Wako, Archbishop of Khartoum
– Khartoum, August 2, 2005