South Sudan “on the brink”, Ameyu warns as cleric urges end to violence

JUBA — Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla, Archbishop of Juba and President of the South Sudan Council of Churches, has warned that the country is at a “critical crossroads” and urged political leaders to halt ongoing military operations and pursue dialogue to prevent a return to widespread conflict.

Addressing journalists on Tuesday, Cardinal Ameyu said South Sudan is facing deteriorating political, security, and humanitarian conditions, with renewed fighting threatening to unravel the fragile peace established under the 2018 peace agreement.

“We stand together, especially during this period of Lent, a call to repentance and turning to God,” he said, urging leaders to reflect on the sacrifices of ordinary South Sudanese who have endured decades of conflict, displacement, and economic hardship.

The church expressed particular concern over escalating clashes in Jonglei State involving the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO). According to Cardinal Ameyu, the continued hostilities risk pushing the country back toward full-scale civil war.

“As shepherds, we are deeply worried… this threatens a return to full-scale civil war,” he said, stressing that military action is unnecessary if political leaders are willing to engage in meaningful dialogue.

Cardinal Ameyu called for an immediate halt to military operations, including the planned second phase of the offensive in Akobo County, warning that further fighting would only deepen human suffering and displacement.

The Archbishop also urged the release of political detainees, including Vice President Riek Machar, saying such a move would help create conditions for genuine dialogue, healing, and national reconciliation.

In addition, he demanded accountability for attacks on civilians, citing recent killings in Abiemnhom in the Ruweng Administrative Area.

“The people of South Sudan have suffered a lot, and they deserve to be given peace,” he said, while also appealing for regional and international support and urgent humanitarian assistance for communities affected by conflict and floods.

The church’s warning comes amid growing fears that renewed violence could undermine the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and plunge the country back into widespread instability.