Rev. Justin Badi Arama, head of the South Sudan Council of Churches, warned that mistrust and arms proliferation hinder peace in South Sudan. He emphasized the need for disarmament, dialogue over violence, and collective efforts towards reconciliation among leaders, religious communities, and civil society. His remarks coincide with ongoing clashes and political tensions in the country.
Rev. Justin Badi Arama, the head of the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC), conveyed a grave warning regarding the critical barriers to peace in South Sudan, identifying the widespread proliferation of arms and deep-rooted mistrust among communities and leaders as the foremost challenges. His comments, made during an interview with Radio Tamazuj, highlighted ongoing violence, particularly in regions like Upper Nile State, where recent clashes have led to significant civilian displacement, calling attention to the fragile state of the nation’s stability.
Rev. Badi articulated, “The biggest threat to peace is the lack of trust,” underscoring a pervasive distrust that extends from political leaders to civilians and the security forces, which exacerbates the situation. He pointed out that widespread access to weapons among civilians, armed groups, and military factions contributes significantly to instability, advocating for disarmament as a fundamental step in promoting peace-building initiatives throughout the country.
The SSCC leader urged political figures to renounce retaliatory violence and engage in constructive dialogue to mitigate further conflict, stating, “Choosing violence only deepens our crisis.” He encouraged leaders to adopt a calm demeanor and seek peaceful resolutions in the face of adversity. Furthermore, he compared the peace-building process to “planting seeds that require patience and care,” insisting on the necessity for citizens to maintain hope amidst challenges.
Rev. Badi affirmed that religious leaders would continue their advocacy for reconciliation, despite possible resistance from political authorities, asserting, “We will keep speaking, praying, and reminding leaders of their duties—even if they seem unresponsive.” His message emphasized the potential for peace, contingent upon a collective rejection of vengeance and the promotion of forgiveness across communities.
Additionally, he highlighted the critical need for collaboration among religious organizations, civil society, and international stakeholders to foster sustainable development and ensure security in South Sudan. Rev. Badi’s statements come at a time of heightened political tension, following lethal clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile State, between government and opposition forces, indicating a dire need for renewed commitment to peace following a 2018 agreement aimed at ending a prolonged civil conflict.
In conclusion, Rev. Justin Badi Arama’s statements reflect the urgent need for peace in South Sudan amid rising violence and persistent distrust among communities and leaders. The call for disarmament and dialogue signifies crucial steps toward stability, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in fostering reconciliation. His insistence on the potential for peace rooted in forgiveness offers a hopeful perspective that, if embraced, may lead South Sudan towards a more harmonious future.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
