By Alan Clement
The Catholic Bishops of South Sudan Ecclesiastical Province, in a communique dated January 27, 2026, denounced renewed fighting between government forces, SPLA-IO, and other armed opposition groups in Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria States.
The bishops stated that the situation has deteriorated into widespread displacement, hunger, and insecurity, with civilians increasingly targeted.
In their statement, the bishops singled incitement remarks from the public and some leaders during the fighting.
Quoting scripture, the bishops urged leaders to heed Romans 14:19: “Let us pursue what leads to peace and to building one another up” and accused both government and opposition leaders of sidelining genuine dialogue in favour of military action, which they said has only deepened divisions.
“We asked our government and opposition leaders: do you have this country and its people in your hearts or are you only concerned and obsessed with pursuit of power and wealth?” the communique read.
Theys reiterated their demand for full implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement for the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), signed in 2018. They said the Unity Government has shown “total disregard” for the accord, fueling mistrust and violence.
Beyond battlefield violence, the bishops expressed alarm at the rise of armed robbery in Juba and other towns, as well as the spread of hate speech and tribal incitement on social media.
They warned that misinformation and disinformation are amplifying divisions and undermining peace efforts. “The worst part of this kind of communication in social media is the promotion of tribal sentiments and incitement,” the bishops said, urging citizens to resist divisive narratives.
The communique invoked Pope Francis’ 2023 appeal to South Sudanese leaders: “No more war, no more bloodshed, no more conflicts, no more violence and mutual recriminations. It is time to build! Leave the time of war behind and let a time of peace dawn.”
The bishops reaffirmed their commitment to repeating the Pope’s words, reminding leaders that citizens are not property but human beings with a right to peace and dignity.
They acknowledged the contributions of regional bodies and international partners, urging them not to abandon South Sudan in its time of crisis.
“You are our friends in deed and we urge you on behalf of the suffering people of our country not to grow tired of doing what is right for them,” the statement read.
They also called on clergy, religious men and women, and all people of goodwill to dedicate time for special prayer for peace, invoking Mary, “our Mother and Queen of Peace,” to intercede for the nation.
South Sudan has been plagued by cycles of violence since independence in 2011. The 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement was meant to end years of civil war, but implementation has stalled amid political rivalries and factional fighting. Jonglei State, in particular, has been a flashpoint for ethnic clashes and armed confrontations.
Their appeal underscores the urgency of dialogue, reconciliation, and protection of civilians in a nation still struggling to emerge from years of war.