Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Juba (Agenzia Fides) – "Stop the military operation in Jonglei State," call the leaders of Christian churches that are part of the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC).
In a statement, Cardinal Ameyu Martin Mulla, Archbishop of Juba, called on behalf of all SSCC members to stop "the ongoing military operation in Jonglei, especially the recent orders from SSPDF Military command to conduct what they refer to as second phase of operation in Akobo. This will only increase more human suffering and displacement to our own populations, burning of cities and death."
The city of Akobo is at the center of the fighting between the South Sudanese army, the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF), led by President Salva Kiir, and the faction led by Riek Machar, known as the Sudan People's Liberation Army-In Opposition (SSPDF-IO).
The SSPDF entered the city this week to find it virtually deserted, after the population abandoned it following a 72-hour ultimatum issued on March 6. Thousands of civilians have fled across the Pibor River toward Ethiopia. Akobo is situated between two rivers, the Pibor and the Geni, which form a vast swampy area where it is virtually impossible to move armored vehicles and trucks.
The battle is now focused on controlling the crossings over both rivers.
"As Shepherds, we are deeply worried about the escalation in violence, particularly in Jonglei State and elsewhere in our country, with intense fighting between government forces and opposition groups, and this threatens a return to full-scale civil war,” says Cardinal Mulla, referring to the civil war that broke out in 2013 between the factions of President Kiir and then-Vice President Machar. Although a first peace agreement was signed in 2018, political and military tensions have continued and even intensified following Machar’s arrest a year ago (see Fides, 27/3/2025).
Christian leaders have renewed their call for dialogue to prevent further suffering for a population exhausted by years of war. “These military actions are not necessary if only our leaders were to choose dialogue as a means of resolving political and social differences in our country,” says Cardinal Mulla on behalf of the SSCC. “Our country has bled for decades and our citizens have sacrificed dearly, battling harsh economic challenges, killings and struggle to make ends meet for their daily bread.”
“To lead the country towards stability,” the SSCC proposes “the release of all political opponents, including the suspended First Vice President Dr. Rick Machar, in order to foster truthful and inclusive dialogue, paving way for healing, forgiveness, reconciliation and peace in our country.” (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 13/3/2026)
