Church leaders statement

CHURCH LEADERS ISSUE A STATEMENT ON THE RECENT VIOLENCE IN WAU: 'TRUST IN GOD, WHO SAVES'

South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) has issued a statement this Tuesday, 28 June, on the recent violent events that occurred last weekend in Wau, South Sudan's Western Bahr al Ghazal State.

Church leaders say they had come together in prayer and reflection on the Word of God and cry out for an end to the violence in South Sudan, "especially for the bloodshed to end in Wau and the areas around it."

"In the name of God, let those with weapons of war stop the violence and killing!", reads the statement.

In their statement, Church leaders also say that "since its outbreak, we have been deeply disturbed and aware of the suffering that the recent and intolerable fighting has brought. Many innocent people have been displaced from their homes, and cramped in church compounds, and UN protection of civilians sites. As peace makers, we are all outraged by the deaths, injuries, hunger and fears that have crippled one of our largest cities. But we are also aware that many other parts of the country are affected by acts of violence that have resulted in the loss of innocent lives, crippling of the economy and fear. Innocent are the victims and their blood have been shed as political forces battle and thieves steal from those who have little."

Besides, Church leaders encourage the people of South Sudan not to lose hope, but to trust in God.

They also "urge for the Transitional Government of National Unity to immediately bring the violence to a halt and to call all forces to stand down." They, moreover, "demand that human rights be upheld and all citizens be protected until they can safely return home with humanitarian support given to those affected by the fighting".

They further "call for an immediate recommitment of the parties to the Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCISS)" and urge and call on the people "to remain calm, embrace unity and peace".

Finally, Church leaders "appeal for an open, credible and transparent investigation into the violence to be carried out and for its cause to be clarified and responsible parties held to account."

Wau has witnessed a great deal of violence over the weekend. A government official has disclosed that more than 40 people were killed and thousands displaced in the clashes that occurred in Wau last weekend. The situation, however, remains calm and an investigation into the causes of the violence and fighting is said to be on the way.