By Chol D. Johnson
An armed ambush on Archbishop Stephen Dokolo and his delegation along the Lui–Mundri road on Saturday has renewed concerns over road insecurity and triggered calls by church leaders for urgent government action and national dialogue.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Chairperson of the South Sudan Religious Leaders Forum, the Most Rev. Dr. Paul Benjamin Yugusuk, the incident occurred on the morning of Saturday, 13 December 2025, as the archbishop was traveling to attend a funeral.
Benjamin said Archbishop Dokolo was traveling from Lui to Maridi to attend funeral prayers for his late brother-in-law, Mr. Steward Onje Clement, when armed assailants intercepted the vehicle.
“On Saturday morning, 13th December 2025, Archbishop Dokolo was traveling from Lui to Maridi to attend the funeral prayers of his late brother-in-law, Mr. Steward Onje Clement,” Benjamin said.
He said the attackers forcibly stopped the vehicle and robbed the archbishop and his companions at gunpoint, taking all personal belongings, including mobile phones, laptop computers, episcopal and clerical vestments, and clothing.
Benjamin said seven people were in the vehicle at the time, including the archbishop, his driver, chaplain, and four pastors, all dressed in clerical attire.
He said no lives were lost and that the delegation later arrived safely in Maridi, although without their personal belongings.
“By the grace of God, no lives were lost, and the delegation safely arrived in Maridi, though without personal belongings. We lift our hearts in thanksgiving to Almighty God for His divine protection,” Benjamin said.
The incident, Benjamin said, underscores the fragile security situation in parts of the country and the risks faced by civilians and travelers along major roads.
“This incident also reminds us of the fragile security situation in parts of our beloved country; we therefore call upon the relevant authorities to take urgent measures to safeguard the lives of all citizens and travellers along our roads,” he said.
Benjamin appealed to members of the Church, friends, and well-wishers to uphold the archbishop and his delegation in prayer during what he described as a difficult time.
“We humbly appeal to all members of the Church, friends, and well-wishers to uphold the archbishop and his delegation in prayer during this difficult time,” he said.
Benjamin further said the Episcopal Diocese of Lui, together with the South Sudan Religious Leaders Forum, urges both government and opposition leaders to pursue dialogue, reconciliation, and mediation in the interest of lasting peace.
He said the suffering of innocent civilians due to insecurity is a solemn call for inclusive peace efforts guided by justice, mutual understanding, and reverence for God.
“As the Church, we remain committed to our prophetic, pastoral, and mediating role, striving to foster peace, unity, and national stability,” Benjamin said.