KUAJOK – The Catholic Diocese of Rumbek has questioned how Warrap State, long regarded as one of South Sudan’s strongest centres of Christian faith, has become increasingly engulfed by deadly communal violence after fresh attacks in the Greater Tonj left dozens dead and deepened insecurity across the region.
In a strongly worded pastoral appeal issued on 9 July 2026, coinciding with South Sudan’s 15th Independence Anniversary, the Diocesan Priests and Religious Missionaries of the Diocese of Rumbek, together with the Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Christian Carlassare, expressed alarm over the escalating cycle of violence in Tonj North, Tonj East and Tonj South counties, warning that insecurity is eroding the Christian values that have long defined Warrap State.
The appeal came days after heavily armed attackers stormed key government installations in Tonj North County, including the commissioner’s guest house, the prison service headquarters and the police headquarters, in one of the deadliest attacks witnessed in the area this year.
According to William Wol Mayom Bol, Warrap State Minister of Information and Communication Services, the attackers are believed to have originated from Madhiath-Ajak Payam in Tonj North County and allegedly included criminal elements from the Akok section of Tonj East County.
The state government said the assault killed 25 people and wounded 20 others. Among those killed were four members of the organized forces, including Col. Ayuat Akol of the Prison Service, as well as one woman. An Executive Chief of Majak Payam was among those injured. During the raid, more than 200 head of cattle were also stolen.
The latest bloodshed followed another deadly outbreak of communal violence in neighbouring Tonj South County, where at least 19 people were killed, 14 others injured, and 11 homes burned during a revenge attack that erupted on 6 July 2026 between the Yar and Tarweng sections of the Apukjuwiir community and the Thony community, according to the Office of the Tonj South County Commissioner.
Against that backdrop, the Diocese said the celebrations marking South Sudan’s independence were overshadowed by continued suffering and insecurity.
“As our nation marks another anniversary of the Independence of South Sudan, we thank God for the gift of our country and for all those who sacrificed for a nation founded on freedom, dignity, and peace. Yet our joy is overshadowed by the suffering that continues to wound our communities,” the church leaders said.
The clergy noted that violence had once again claimed innocent lives, left many wounded and forced families to live in fear, particularly in Tonj North County, while insecurity continued to affect Tonj East and Tonj South.
“We entrust the deceased to the mercy of God, pray for the healing of the wounded, and express our closeness to all who mourn,” the statement said.
Beyond the recent fatalities, the Diocese revealed that church personnel themselves had narrowly escaped becoming victims of armed violence.
The church disclosed that only days before issuing the appeal, a catechist and a Comboni scholastic travelling for pastoral ministry were threatened by armed men. Although both escaped unharmed, the incident underscored the deteriorating security situation confronting both civilians and religious workers.
“Such incidents reveal how fear is replacing trust and violence is taking the place of dialogue,” the church leaders warned.
The Diocese then posed what it described as a painful moral question to the people of Warrap.
“We ask ourselves with sorrow: how has a land blessed with such a rich Christian heritage become increasingly insecure?”
The clergy observed that Warrap has long been recognised for its vibrant Catholic faith, but argued that faith must be reflected not only in worship but also in everyday conduct.
“Warrap is known for its vibrant Catholic faith, yet our faith must bear fruit in our daily lives. The true measure of our Christian witness is not only how we pray, but how we treat one another,” the statement said, quoting the Gospel of Matthew: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”
The Diocese appealed to every segment of society—including young people, parents, elders, traditional leaders, community leaders, government authorities and all people of goodwill—to reject violence and revenge in favour of peaceful coexistence.
The church urged communities to protect human life, embrace dialogue and reconciliation, and resist the temptation to settle disputes through armed confrontation.
It also placed responsibility on public authorities to restore law and order.
“We especially urge the authorities to guarantee security, uphold justice, and safeguard innocent civilians,” the statement said.
The Diocese further called on sons and daughters of Warrap living both within and outside the state to become ambassadors of unity rather than division, stressing that peace cannot be left solely to government institutions.
“Peace is everyone’s responsibility,” the church emphasized.
The religious leaders also highlighted the important role played by Catholic missions across the region, naming the missions of Warrap, Awul, Marial Lou, Romic, Thiet, and Tonj as institutions dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel, educating young people, supporting families and serving vulnerable communities.
According to the Diocese, continued insecurity threatens not only lives but also the ability of churches and schools to carry out their spiritual and social missions.
“Violence deprives communities of the opportunity to worship, learn, and grow together as one family of God,” the statement said, adding that the missions require the support and commitment of Christians and all people of goodwill if they are to continue serving local communities.
Despite the worsening violence, Bishop Christian Carlassare and the diocesan clergy insisted they would not surrender to despair.
“As pastors, we refuse to surrender to despair,” they declared. “We believe that reconciliation is stronger than revenge, dialogue stronger than violence, and hope stronger than fear.”
The church expressed confidence that the future of Tonj North and the wider Greater Tonj region would ultimately be determined not by those carrying weapons, but by citizens committed to building peace through patience, courage and mutual respect.
Marking South Sudan’s Independence Day, the Diocese concluded by calling on citizens to recommit themselves to the ideals that inspired the country’s liberation struggle.
“Let us renew together our commitment to build the South Sudan that so many dreamed of—a nation where every child can grow without fear, every family can live in safety, and every community becomes a home of justice, solidarity, and peace,” the church said.
