South Sudan church leaders call for halt to hostilities

Church leaders in the South Sudan Council of Churches called for an immediate end to hostilities and urgent measures to protect civilians in a statement issued Oct. 5. The council, which includes representatives from the Sudan Catholic Bishops' Conference, cited worsening insecurity, killings, abductions, and displacement across the country as reasons for their intervention.

The leaders urged the government, traditional authorities, armed groups, and local communities to stop violence and revenge attacks. They specifically requested that parties secure roads and river transport corridors to ensure humanitarian workers can reach affected populations without hindrance.

To address the ongoing conflict, the council recommended strengthening local peace and reconciliation mechanisms. They called on those involved in the violence to prioritize dialogue and restraint rather than retaliation and confrontation. The statement noted that the country has faced renewed fighting between government forces and opposition groups this year, alongside intercommunal violence and the mobilization of armed youth.