AFRICA/SOUTH SUDAN - Bishops say, we must continue to pray for peace in our country

Wednesday, 12 December 2018

Internet

Yei (Agenzia Fides) – “The Bishops of AMECEA, the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa, together with the governments of Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and Sudan, helped promote the signing of the Peace Agreement between South Sudan authorities and the Opposition leaders. Now we must pray and act to ensure the peace lasts”: said Mons Erkolano Lodu Tombe Bishop of Yei urging everyone, laity and clergy, to keep praying.
“We need prayers. We are confident that prayers will help to stop the bloodshed and build lasting peace for the suffering people of South Sudan ”, the Bishop said in a report to Fides.
According to Mons. Tombe, since the peace agreements signed by the government and the opposition leaders in August (see Fides 20/9/2018) the situation has improved in some parts of the country and this has filled many with confidence and hope. However the Bishop recalled that certain rebel groups did not sign the agreement.
“In some places from time to time, the pacts are violated and violence continues; but this is a phenomenon which can happen anywhere in the world. We must accept the fact that the agreement is not perfect. Nevertheless we hope the violence will stop altogether and the people will be able to rebuild their lives, said Bishop Tombe.
With other religious leader of Religious leaders in Yei, the AMECEA Bishops have asked for a written permit from the government to meet with the remaining rebel groups still resistant in order to involve them in dialogue and listen to their requests and share them with the government and the people. “We are still waiting for written permission, the only way to guarantee the safety of those involved in this mission of dialogue and peace”, Bishop Tombe concluded. (AP) (12/12/2018 Agenzia Fides)


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