Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Torit (Agenzia Fides) – At the close of their Plenary Assembly held in Torit, December 5-15, the Bishops of Sudan published a document addressed to Christians, political leaders, and all men of good will, entitled: “For a just and lasting peace,” in which they state that during their meeting they reflected on the present situation of the country and their tasks as spiritual leaders.
“The political situation in our country has reached a crucial and decisive moment,” the Bishops say in the statement sent to Agenzia Fides, highlighting the urgent need to respond to the key points of the CPA (Comprehensive Peace Agreement), so as to avoid sentiments of fear or anxiety among the population. As for national elections and the role of civil society, the Bishops recalled that “the CPA remains a valid and relevant road map for a just and lasting peace in Sudan” and mentioned voting as “a fundamental right of Sudanese citizens,” which demands freedom and honesty. Unfortunately, the lack of an adequate civil formation of voters for the 2010 elections has led to many being excluded from the registration process. As for those who have registered, the Bishops remind them “to be vigilant and exercise their constitutional right to vote.”
As for the referendum for the self-determination of the people of South Sudan, established for 2011, the Bishops lament the delay in the declaration of referendum norms and the establishment of the Referendum Commission, as a “great concern to all Sudanese.” They also exhort the national legislative assembly to speed up the process, and all Sudanese to “be vigilant and not to give way to those who may drag the Country back to war.”
The Bishops recall the two recent tragic periods of war (1955-1972, with 1.6 million deaths, and 1983-2005, with 2.5 million deaths and 4 million refugees), the tragic devastation of infrastructures and the environment, to make the point that “war is evil and we cannot accept any return to war. The interim period has brought stability and tangible development in the history of the Sudan, and we earnestly urge all the Sudanese to reject war and strongly call on parties to the CPA and the people of the Sudan to safeguard peace and find peaceful means to resolve pending issues.”
With great concern, the Bishops recall that since the beginning of 2008, there has been an increase in ethnic violence that have not been caused by isolated events, but by an organized campaign by enemies of peace who wish to destabilize the country; thus, they solicit both those who perpetrate these crimes and the victims to “denounce senseless killings, to seek reconciliation and to respect human life.” An invitation is made to the Ugandan government and LRA (Lord's Resistance Army) representatives to return to peace talks, following the aggressions seens in the states of Western Equatoria and Western Bhar el Ghazal.
After encouraging the Government of national unity to put into practice what is established in the CPA, the Bishops ask the government of South Sudan to be diligent in the practice of healthy governing and application of the law: “To govern means to serve honestly and to ensure the common good of the people entrusted to their care. The just enforcement of law and order remains a primary duty of the government and the community leaders.”
An appeal is also made to the religious leaders of the country, Christians and Muslims: “Together let us foster dialogue as a means to handle the negative scenarios which are emerging in the Country due to the current situation and convert them into elements of peace.” Addressing the international community, they ask them to intervene so that the government in Khartoum may peacefully resolve the situation in Darfur and carry out what is called for in the CPA, as “Sudan seems to be on unstable ground,” and to assist internal and external refugees, as the lack of rain and the incursions of the LRA have led to a humanitarian crisis.
The document concludes with an appeal to prayer, in this time of Advent, a time of conversion awaiting the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace: “Let us unite in prayer for peace, harmony, and justice. We pray for a just and lasting peace in the Sudan, we your Spiritual leaders, conscious of the fate in which our Country finds itself, we exhort our faithful and people of good will to be vigilant in prayer (1 Pt. 5:8-9) during this decisive moment of our Country. Especially as we approach Christmas, let us recommit ourselves to be peacemakers.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 19/12/2009)
