By Louis Loku
Catholic Bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of Juba have called on South Sudan’s political leaders and parties to prioritise dialogue and fully implement the 2018 peace agreement.
The faith-based leaders warned that the country’s future stability depends on cooperation, trust, and a peaceful political process.
The appeal was made in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the bishops’ annual meeting held in Juba from 15 to 17 July 2026.
During the meeting, the bishops reflected on the state of the Church and the nation amid growing concerns over political uncertainty, insecurity, and worsening economic conditions affecting millions of South Sudanese.
The bishops said all political actors must recommit themselves to the full implementation of the peace agreement signed in 2018, which was designed to end years of conflict and establish a framework for political transition, security reforms, and preparations for democratic elections.
They urged government leaders, opposition groups, state institutions, and other stakeholders to address national challenges through dialogue rather than confrontation.
“We urged all political leaders, state institutions, and stakeholders to recommit themselves to the full implementation of the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement,” the statement read.
The Church leaders said decisions surrounding the electoral process must be based on consultation, constitutional order, legal clarity, adequate preparation, mutual trust, and the common good of all citizens.
Their statement comes as South Sudan prepares for its planned general elections scheduled for 22 December 2026, a vote that is expected to mark a major step in the country’s transition from years of conflict.
However, the bishops cautioned that the country faces serious political and constitutional challenges that require careful engagement among all parties.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 but plunged into civil war in 2013 following a political dispute between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy, Riek Machar.
The conflict caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions. A revitalised peace agreement was signed in 2018 to bring the warring parties together and guide the country toward elections and long-term stability.
Despite the peace deal, implementation has faced delays, including disagreements over security arrangements, constitutional reforms, and other transitional tasks.
The bishops also raised concerns over continued insecurity across the country, including deadly intercommunal violence and clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and armed opposition groups.
They called for an end to violence and urged leaders and citizens to reject tribalism, hatred, misinformation, and all forms of incitement.
Beyond political issues, the bishops expressed solidarity with South Sudanese facing economic hardship caused by the depreciation of the South Sudanese pound, rising prices of essential goods, and delayed payment of government salaries.
They also expressed concern for communities affected by floods, drought, and extreme weather conditions, appealing to humanitarian agencies, development partners, and people of goodwill to support families facing food insecurity.
The Catholic leaders reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to accompanying South Sudanese through prayer, moral guidance, and constructive engagement.
They announced plans to issue a comprehensive pastoral message on the national elections and the situation in the country to encourage citizens to participate responsibly.
The bishops concluded by calling on clergy, religious leaders, families, and all people of goodwill to pray for wisdom among leaders, courage among citizens, healing for communities affected by conflict, and unity for South Sudan.