Archbishop “horrified” by Kajo-keji killings

JUBA, FEBRUARY 3^rd 2023 (SUDANS POST) – The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, on Friday expressed his shock over the killing of 21 people in Kajo-keji of Central Equatoria on the eve of his historic Ecumenical Peace Pilgrimage along with Pope Francis.

The attacks in Lire, Mogiri, and Odachi Payams by suspected cattle herders from Jonglei on Thursday left at least19 people dead and hundreds of civilians mostly women and children displaced.

The attack occurred few a days after suspected rebel forces belonging to National Salvation Front (NAS) attacked Bor cattle keepers and killed at least 6 herders and 48 cattle.

“I am horrified that at least 19 people were killed in Kajo-Keji on the eve of our Pilgrimage of Peace. It is a story too often heard across South Sudan,” Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin said in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Friday.

Justin appealed for a different way for South Sudan to come together for a just peace.

“My prayers are with the families affected and all South Sudan, as I begin my travel there tonight to join my brothers Pope Francis and Moderator Iain, and to be with the South Sudanese people.”

Phanuel Dumo Jame Lokajasuk, Kajo-Keji commissioner said security has been beefed up in villages where armed cattle herders clashed with the local population yesterday.

“The commissioner calls for calm as the security agencies are working very hard in containing the situation,” Jame said in a statement extended to Sudans Post.

He called on humanitarian agencies to provide aid to displaced persons.

“The commissioner further appeals to state authorities, National Government and the humanitarian agencies for an urgent humanitarian intervention to address the needs of the displaced population.”