Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla of Juba appeals for restraint after violence erupts against South Sudanese refugees in Sudan due to retaliatory attacks. The unrest follows alleged killings of refugees by Sudanese forces, sparking significant violence against Sudanese nationals in South Sudan. Amid the ongoing civil war, the Cardinal emphasizes the need for compassion and unity within the community to counteract the cycle of violence and oppression.
Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla of Juba, South Sudan, has appealed for restraint and compassion following alleged killings of South Sudanese refugees in Sudan that triggered retaliatory violence in South Sudan. Recent reports indicate that security forces intervened when local youth, armed with machetes and clubs, attacked Sudanese nationals in South Sudan, resulting in 16 deaths and numerous injuries amidst rising tensions.
The unrest was sparked by a disturbing video depicting Sudan Armed Forces allegedly executing South Sudanese civilians in Wad Madani city. According to reports, this incident coincided with escalated fighting to capture the city, where at least 29 civilians were reportedly killed, including children, in an apparent ethnic violence against South Sudanese.
In a press release on January 17, Cardinal Ameyu urged the South Sudanese people to respond with restraint, emphasizing the pain and anger but condemning revenge against refugees. He stated that as a united Church and caring society, they must unequivocally condemn the violence rooted in hatred and oppression that has emerged from these tragic events.
The Cardinal highlighted that South Sudan has been struggling with violence amid the ongoing civil war between the Sudan Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces since April 2023. Ordinary citizens have faced attacks, particularly targeting black Africans in regions like Darfur and Gezira, invoking memories of historical persecution prior to South Sudan’s independence from Sudan in 2011.
The cardinal reminded the public that the violence stems from oppressive regimes that dehumanize individuals based on ethnicity and beliefs. He called for unity and resilience within the community, urging efforts toward healing and creating a safe and inclusive environment for all.
The United States recently imposed sanctions on General al-Burhan, the leader of the Sudan Armed Forces, for actions deemed destabilizing and undermining democracy in Sudan. Reports indicate the army has committed grave violations against civilians, including airstrikes and denying humanitarian access, worsening the ongoing humanitarian crisis amid the civil war that has reportedly resulted in 24,000 deaths while millions are in dire need of assistance.
The violence in Sudan has escalated since April 2023 due to a power struggle between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, leading to a destructive civil war that has left millions vulnerable and facing famine. The recent attacks against South Sudanese refugees are part of a broader pattern of ethnic violence and human rights abuses perpetrated by military forces against unarmed civilians, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
In summary, the Cardinal’s call for restraint highlights the urgent need for compassion amid rising violence against refugees in South Sudan. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has significant humanitarian implications, with the international community calling attention to the dire situation. Cardinal Ameyu’s plea for unity and healing resonates as people confront the painful legacy of ethnic violence and strive for a more inclusive future.
Original Source: www.detroitcatholic.com
