Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla calls for restraint following violent retaliatory attacks against Sudanese nationals in South Sudan, ignited by killings of South Sudanese civilians in Sudan. Amidst ongoing civil conflict and a night curfew, he emphasizes compassion, condemns violence rooted in ethnicity, and stresses the need for unity and healing within the community.
In response to the recent violence against South Sudanese refugees in Sudan, Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla of Juba urged for calm and empathy. This call for restraint comes after reports indicated that retaliatory attacks resulted in the deaths of 16 Sudanese nationals and numerous injuries amidst clashes between local security forces and local youth. Cardinal Ameyu emphasized the need for compassion during these tumultuous times.
The violence follows a disturbing video depicting alleged killings of South Sudanese by Sudanese Armed Forces in Wad Madani, where at least 29 civilians were reportedly slain. The cardinal condemned the brutality of such acts and addressed the importance of avoiding revengeful actions against refugees in South Sudan amidst understandable feelings of anger and pain in the community.
With the ongoing power struggle in Sudan escalating into full-scale civil conflict since April 2023, the humanitarian situation has worsened significantly. Reports indicate targeted attacks against black Africans, particularly prevalent in Darfur and Gezira states, invoking painful memories of past persecutions that led to South Sudan’s independence in 2011.
The cardinal expressed solidarity with grieving families and called on the community to strive for unity and resilience while promoting healing and security for all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds. His statements were made amidst a government-imposed night curfew to contain violence arising from these events.
In recent developments, the U.S. government has sanctioned Sudanese military leaders for their roles in the violence and human rights abuses against civilians. The targeted sanctions against army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo reflect the broader condemnation of the atrocities occurring in Sudan amid a deteriorating humanitarian crisis affecting millions, including those facing starvation.
The current situation in Sudan is marked by an intense civil war that erupted from a power struggle between two military leaders, leading to severe human rights violations and widespread suffering among civilians. Ethnic tensions have intensified, with a history of conflict stemming from the oppression of black African populations in Sudan. The South Sudanese community, given its history of violence and discrimination, faces significant challenges, especially in the wake of the recent attacks on refugees, reminding them of their own tumultuous past during the civil war.
In conclusion, Cardinal Ameyu’s call for restraint amidst the recent violence against South Sudanese refugees underscores the need for compassionate responses rather than retaliatory actions. The ongoing conflict in Sudan highlights the systemic issues of ethnic violence and the urgent need for humanitarian support. As the international community continues to respond with sanctions against those perpetuating violence, the focus must remain on fostering unity and healing in South Sudan, where the legacy of past conflicts continues to inform current realities.
Original Source: www.detroitcatholic.com
