The fighting has further heightened tensions in South Sudan. This situation calls for action and international solidarity to avert a new crisis.
In South Sudan, we are working together with various initiatives to promote peace, such as the Tumaini Peace Initiative in Nairobi, which focuses on dialogue between different holdout opposition groups. However, tensions remain. The power struggle between political and military elites, both inside and outside the government, poses a direct threat to the stability and security of the country. The current violence in Juba demonstrates how dangerous internal divisions can be.
Eucharistic process for peace
In the midst of this crisis, the Catholic Church organized Eucharistic process for peace with thousands of participants, led by bishops, clergy, religious and laity. In spite of roadblocks and heavily armed vehicles on prohibited roads, the procession proceeded undeterred through alternatives routes. The procession highlights the continued desire of the population for peace, despite the enormous challenges.
Leaders must take responsibility
It is at this critical time that civil society in South Sudan deserves additional support. Their work is crucial in preventing violence, uniting communities, and finding peaceful solutions. The South Sudan Civil Society Forum (SSCSF), in which some of our local partners are represented, has strongly called for calm, transparency, and the protection of civilian lives. They emphasize that leaders must take responsibility to prevent further escalation and that the international community has an important role to play in supporting South Sudan in its peace process.
As PAX, we express our solidarity with the people and our partners in South Sudan. We remain committed to supporting them in their struggle for justice, security, and stability. This situation calls for immediate action and a joint effort from both national and international actors to avert a new crisis.
