AFRICA/SOUTH SUDAN - Memorial Mass for the victims and for peace, a year after the outbreak of the Civil War

Juba (Agenzia Fides) - A prayer for the repose of the victims of the civil war and for peace in the Country is celebrated today, December 15, at the Cathedral in Juba, capital of South Sudan, one year after the outbreak of the civil war that, according estimates of the International Crisis Group caused at least 50,000 victims, mostly civilians, a number that according to other observers should be doubled. The Mass was presided by His Exc. Mgr. Paolino Lukudu Loro, Archbishop of Juba, who in a message sent to Agenzia Fides, launched a new appeal for peace and stability in the Country, invoking God's help.
The crisis in South Sudan exploded exactly a year ago. The first clashes between military units, respectively loyal to President Salva Kiir and former Vice President, Riek Machar exploded on 15 December 2013 in Juba. The dispute was then extended to other areas of the Country, assuming an ethnic characterization, involving the two main ethnic groups of the Country, the Dinka and the Nuer. In addition to the victims and to the wounded, the war caused the displacement of 2 million people and the economic paralysis of the Country.
To give a name to the victims, activists and religious groups have given rise to the project "Naming Those We Lost" which has so far identified 572 deaths: the first are those of a 14-month-old child and a 105-year-old lady. UNICEF has denounced the recruitment of 12 thousand child soldiers. Despite several attempts of peace, the crisis has not been resolved yet. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 15/12/2014)