By: Madrama James
King News, 22nd Sept, 2024. Group of religious leaders in Juba are pledging to political leaders to shift focus in citizen driven agenda as South Sudan commemorates International Peace Day.
Every year on September 21st, the world comes together to celebrate Peace Day. A day dedicated to peace, fostering understanding, achieving the importance of non-violence approach in resolving conflict.
Speaking to reporters during a joint conference at the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) head office in Juba today, Bishop James Lagos Alexander, Presiding Bishop of Africa Inland Church (AIC), South Sudan, urged the political leaders to foster good governance.
“We urge our political leaders to, enact a citizen-driven constitution reflecting the aspirations of all South Sudanese, Revitalize the economy to create jobs and alleviate poverty, to establish a security sector that upholds the rules of law, implement a transitional justice process to foster governance and healing, ensure a vibrant democracy that guarantees civic space, Facilitate the return and integration of refugees and displaced people,” Makuei Urged.
The network also said, they are deeply concerned about the slow implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan, therefore, calling on the International community not to be fatigue in responding to humanitarian situations.
Bishop Lagos calls for international support to the people of South Sudan
“We call upon the international community not to be fatigued but continue to support the people of South Sudan on their journey for peace and also respond to the humanitarian crisis in various part of the country. We urge the international community to support regional communities and civil society in engaging citizens in the constitutional and transitional justice processes,” Lagos called
South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC), together with Africa Hub of the Ecumenical Network of South Sudan (ENSS) join the rest of the world in commemorating this year’s International Day of Peace.
For his part, Rt. Rev. James Makuel Chuol, Moderator of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church of South Sudan (PCSS) Juba, reaffirms their pastoral commitment in culture of peace and social cohesion.
“As Christian leaders, in partnership with the Ecumenical Network and other peace organizations, we pledge to foster dialogue and understanding for deepen the culture of peace and social cohesion, engage congregations and communities in peacebuilding efforts, provide civic education initiatives for citizens in South Sudan and refugee settlements, use our platforms to spread messages of peace based on Bible values, offer pastoral care to those affected by conflict,” Makuei pleaded
This year’s theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace.” However, the Christians leaders linked to Matthew 5:9: which says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”