AFRICA/SUDAN - Bishops say “peace is possible” in January referendum

Khartoum (Agenzia Fides) – “Peace is possible,” said the bishops of Sudan in a statement published at the end of their Plenary Assembly which was held in Rumbek, November 8 to 15.
The document stresses that the two referendum in January, on the independence of southern Sudan and the Abyei region, disputed between north and south Sudan, are "a national issue" and are intended “to bring healing to our nation, to resolve the longstanding differences which have led to so many decades of tragic conflict.”
The bishops complain about delays in the preparation of the two referendums and denounced the tensions between northern and southern Sudan, also linked the deployment of troops on both sides of the border between the two areas of the country. The Bishops' Conference also regrets that the people of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile (two other disputed territories between north and south) will not decide their own fate, which will instead be decided upon "by the state legislatures and the Presidency, and doubts have been expressed as to whether this will truly fulfill the aspirations of all the people of these areas. This too can lead to tension and ultimately conflict, which could draw in the rest of the country.”
The bishops call on the faithful to pray for peace and end the message with an appeal that the referendum be "fair and transparent" and that the result be accepted by all. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 16/11/2010)