S. Sudanese clerics say conflict overshadows liberation war objectives

October 2, 2014 (JUBA) – South Sudanese clerics on Thursday claimed the manner in which the warring parties in the ongoing conflict were handling multi-stakeholders involved in the peace talks undermines the objectives of the liberation wars fought in the country.

The clerics accused the rival parties of being “insensitive” to the ordinary people’s suffering from the conflict and “intransigence” to efforts seeking to end the violence.

“We call on the principal leaders, President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Dr.Riek Machar, leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition to show their commitments to the peace process, so that the civil population affected by this conflict, which was entirely a political difference over ideological issues within the leadership of one party, can return to their homes”, partly reads a joint statement issued by religious leaders who form part of South Sudan Council of Churches.

The leaders also deplored the resumption of military activities between the main rivals.

“Our leaders must care and pride for which million lives were sacrificed to get the independence which comes with responsibility and respect. What we see today is a total disregard to the cause of the liberation struggle and it is clear sputum on liberation objective,” noted the 20 September statement from the group of clerics.

They further accused the rival forces of alleged involvement in hostile activities, including carrying out attacks directly targeting civilians and civilian infrastructures, abductions, rape and other forms of sexual harassment and physical abuse of innocent civilians in areas under their control.

“These actions are meted out and perpetuated against innocent women and children, forced recruitment of children, destruction of places of religious or places of cultural value, wanton destruction and looting of civilian properties and denial of fundamental freedoms and right”, argued the clerics.

South Sudanese leaders, the clerics urged, “must show strong sense of leadership, care and act to avert looming hunger period and to restore control of areas that have been affected by the conflict and implement inclusive social, political and democratic reforms to reflect the aspirations of the people”.

Negotiations between warring parties being mediated by the East Africa regional bloc (IGAD) is regarded the best possible way to resolve the nearly 10-month conflict in the young nation.

(ST)