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Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla of Juba, South Sudan, has called for calm and compassion following the alleged killings of South Sudanese refugees in Sudan. These events have triggered retaliatory attacks across the region.
Reports indicate that 16 Sudanese individuals were killed in South Sudan, with many more injured as security forces clashed with armed youth. The violence erupted after a video surfaced showing soldiers from the Sudan Armed Forces allegedly killing South Sudanese civilians in Wad Madani city. At least 29 civilians were reported dead during the conflict to seize control of the city from the Rapid Support Forces.
"In light of these atrocities, we appeal to our beloved South Sudanese people to exercise restraint and compassion," said Cardinal Ameyu on January 17. "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."
The cardinal's comments came as a night curfew was imposed by authorities to curb further violence. He condemned the murders as "a heinous act" and expressed solidarity with grieving families.
Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023 due to a power struggle between Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the Sudan Armed Forces and Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of Rapid Support Forces. This ongoing war has seen selective attacks on black Africans or dark-skinned individuals, particularly in Darfur and Gezira states.
The recent violence is reminiscent of past persecution before South Sudan gained independence from northern Sudan on July 9, 2011. Cardinal Ameyu emphasized that oppressive regimes dehumanize individuals based on ethnicity or political beliefs.
"We are proud of the spirit of unity and resilience that characterize our South Sudanese community," he stated.
On January 16, U.S. President Joe Biden's administration imposed sanctions on army chief al-Burhan for actions undermining democratic transition goals. The U.S. Department of Treasury accused his forces of lethal civilian attacks and denying humanitarian access.
Sanctions had previously been placed on RSF leader Dagalo for human rights abuses including sexual violence and executions. The U.S., earlier this month, declared RSF's actions as genocide amid severe suffering among civilians caught in war-torn areas.
Since April 2023, over 638,000 people face famine conditions with millions requiring aid while thousands have died due to ongoing hostilities.
Fredrick Nzwili reports for OSV News from Nairobi, Kenya.
