Cardinal Stephen Ameyu of Juba urged South Sudanese to exercise restraint following retaliatory attacks against Sudanese refugees after allegations of violence against South Sudanese in Sudan. The cardinal condemned the killings, emphasizing compassion and solidarity in the face of escalating violence, linked to a power struggle in Sudan since April 2023.
Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla of Juba, South Sudan, has urgently called for restraint and compassion following retaliatory violence against Sudanese nationals after alleged killings of South Sudanese refugees in Sudan. Reports indicate that conflicts have led to the deaths of 16 Sudanese and numerous injuries as local youth engaged in violent acts against Sudanese individuals, including home invasions and looting.
The unrest was sparked by a video purportedly showing Sudanese soldiers killing South Sudanese civilians amidst the ongoing conflict for control of Wad Madani city. Additionally, an estimated 29 South Sudanese civilians were reportedly killed during this ethnic conflict, with children among the casualties. Cardinal Ameyu appealed for calm, stating,
“In light of these atrocities, we appeal to our beloved South Sudanese people to exercise restraint and compassion. While the pain and anger stemming from these events are understandable, we implore you to refrain from seeking revenge against refugees here in our nation.” Cardinal Ameyu, who leads the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, made these remarks as a nationwide curfew was imposed to mitigate violence.
He condemned the killings of innocent civilians as heinous acts and emphasized the need for a compassionate society to denounce such hatred-infused violence. He expressed solidarity with mourning families. Since the war began on April 15, 2023, a fierce power struggle between Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo has left Sudan in turmoil, resulting in numerous casualties and widespread suffering among civilians.
In addition, targeted violence against black African populations has resurfaced memories of historical persecution, particularly before South Sudan’s independence in 2011. Cardinal Ameyu highlighted that oppressive systems provoke such violence by dehumanizing individuals based on ethnicity or beliefs. He called for unity and resilience within the South Sudanese community to foster an environment of safety and respect.
The outgoing U.S. administration imposed sanctions on al-Burhan for destabilizing efforts in Sudan, citing severe human rights abuses committed by the army. Additionally, attacks on civilian infrastructure, such as schools and hospitals, were reported, further exacerbating humanitarian crises. The situation remains dire, with over 638,000 facing famine and millions requiring assistance despite international condemnation of the ongoing atrocities.
The conflict in Sudan has its roots in deep-seated power struggles and ethnic tensions, exacerbated by military actions between varying leadership factions. The situation has escalated into a civil war that has claimed lives and displaced countless civilians, with South Sudanese refugees caught in the turmoil. Historical injustices also play a role in the current violence, as past persecutions of black Africans continue to resonate in contemporary conflicts.
Cardinal Ameyu’s plea for compassion amidst violence against Sudanese refugees highlights the ongoing struggles faced in the region. With the death toll rising due to the conflict begun in 2023, it is crucial that communities respond with unity and restraint rather than revenge. International pressures, including sanctions, seek to address the humanitarian crisis resulting from this instability.
Original Source: www.detroitcatholic.com
