Rev. Justin Badi Arama, head of the South Sudan Council of Churches, warns that mistrust and the availability of arms threaten peace in South Sudan. He calls for disarmament and urges political leaders to engage in dialogue to prevent violence. Rev. Badi emphasizes the importance of collaboration among religious and civil organizations in the pursuit of reconciliation and stability.
The head of the South Sudan Council of Churches, Rev. Justin Badi Arama, has warned that the widespread availability of arms and a profound lack of trust among communities and leaders pose significant obstacles to peace in South Sudan. Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, he highlighted the persistent violence in regions such as Upper Nile State, which has led to the displacement of thousands, emphasizing the fragile state of national stability.
Rev. Badi identified the lack of trust as the primary threat to peace, noting, “The biggest threat to peace is the lack of trust.” He described the deep-seated mistrust between political leaders, security forces, and civilians as detrimental to the peace efforts. He expressed concern over the abundance of weapons among civilians, armed groups, and military factions, calling for a nationwide disarmament initiative as a fundamental step towards peace-building.
In his address, Rev. Badi urged political leaders to refrain from retaliation and instead engage in constructive dialogue to prevent further violence, stating: “Choosing violence only deepens our crisis.” He underscored the necessity for leaders to remain composed and pursue peaceful solutions to conflicts.
Rev. Badi compared the peace process to “planting seeds that require patience and care,” encouraging citizens to maintain hope for a stable future. He affirmed that religious leaders would continue their efforts to advocate for reconciliation, irrespective of the political climate. He stated, “We will keep speaking, praying, and reminding leaders of their duties—even if they seem unresponsive.”
Emphasizing the need for collaboration among religious groups, civil society, and international partners, he called for advancing sustainable development and security. Rev. Badi’s remarks come at a time of escalating political tensions, particularly after recent clashes between rival military factions in Upper Nile State, which resulted in multiple casualties and underscored ongoing instability in the region.
Despite the signing of a peace agreement in 2018 aimed at resolving a protracted civil war, South Sudan continues to confront sporadic violence, making the quest for lasting peace more crucial than ever.
In conclusion, Rev. Justin Badi Arama has articulated the pressing challenges to achieving peace in South Sudan, emphasizing the roles of mistrust and the proliferation of arms. He advocates for disarmament, dialogue among political leaders, and ongoing efforts from religious entities to foster reconciliation. The current political climate and violent incidents reinforce the urgency for a collaborative approach to stabilize and secure the nation.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
