By Sabri Dibaco
The South Sudan Council of Churches has called for urgent government intervention to stop intercommunal violence in Tonj North County, Warrap State, following reports that 61 people were killed in deadly clashes on Tuesday, 27 October.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the Council expressed deep concern over the continued violence, urging the government, community members and political leaders to take immediate steps to protect civilians and prevent further bloodshed.
“The loss of so many lives is deeply troubling and calls for urgent action to protect civilians, prevent further violence, and address the underlying causes of recurring conflict,” the statement reads.
The Council, through its General Secretary, Rt. Rev. Tut Kony Nang Kon, extended condolences to families who lost loved ones and expressed solidarity with communities affected by the violence.
It called on all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint, reject retaliation and pursue peaceful solutions to their differences.
“The continued loss of life only deepens suffering and makes reconciliation more difficult,” the Council said in a press statement.
The church body also urged the government of Warrap State and relevant authorities in Tonj North County to intervene urgently to contain the violence and ensure the safety of affected communities.
It called for measures to prevent further killings and protect civilians from additional harm.
As part of efforts to address the conflict, the Council said church leaders were engaging with the Inter-Church Committee on the ground to identify practical ways of responding to the violence.
The engagement aims to encourage restraint among the communities involved, promote dialogue and create opportunities for reconciliation and the peaceful resolution of grievances.
The Council emphasised that open and honest dialogue was essential to rebuilding trust and preventing further violence.
It also appealed to churches and Christians in South Sudan and beyond to pray for peace in Tonj North and support families mourning their loved ones.
The Council encouraged churches to provide comfort and assistance to affected communities during what it described as a painful period.
The Council further called on political leaders and political parties to refrain from using violence to gain political advantage, warning that leaders have a responsibility to discourage actions that could escalate tensions.
“Leaders have a responsibility to promote peace, discourage actions that could escalate tensions, and encourage their supporters to resolve disagreements through dialogue,” the statement said.
The church body also called for sustained efforts to address the root causes of intercommunal conflict, hold those responsible for violence accountable and strengthen peacebuilding initiatives.
It said lasting peace would require a collective commitment to justice, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.
The latest violence has renewed calls for urgent intervention to protect communities and prevent further loss of life in Tonj North County.
The South Sudan Council of Churches reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peace and reconciliation in Tonj North and across the country.
Quoting Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God,” the Council appealed for an end to violence and urged communities to embrace reconciliation.
It concluded by praying for comfort for bereaved families, healing for the wounded, protection for vulnerable people and lasting peace throughout South Sudan.