Cardinal Ameyu: South Sudan Faces Growing Challenges Post-Independence

Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla expressed concerns that in the fourteen years since South Sudan’s independence, problems have intensified rather than resolved, due to mismanagement of natural resources and ongoing conflict. Despite multiple peace efforts, instability and economic decline plague the nation. The Cardinal advocates for dialogue through the Synod on Synodality as a potential solution for South Sudan and neighboring Sudan, which is also in turmoil from war and humanitarian crises.

In the fourteen years since South Sudan achieved independence from Sudan, the challenges faced by the nation have regrettably intensified, according to Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla, the leading Catholic figure in South Sudan. Speaking during the Synod on Synodality in Rome, Cardinal Ameyu expressed disillusionment over the lack of progress in realizing the promise of peace and stability that independence was expected to bring. He noted that rather than alleviating the nation’s problems, independence seems to have exacerbated them and criticized governmental mismanagement of the country’s abundant natural resources. The cardinal, who holds the position of Archbishop of Juba, reflected on the aspirations that fueled the fight for independence, declaring that even though South Sudan gained freedom, numerous unresolved issues continue to plague the nation. South Sudan, home to over sixty ethnic groups, declared its independence on July 9, 2011, following a comprehensive peace agreement in 2005 that ended the prolonged civil war between the north and the south of Sudan. However, in 2013, the nation was engulfed in conflict when President Salva Kiir accused his former Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, of plotting a coup, leading to widespread violence and instability. Despite several peace agreements and ceasefire attempts in the years following, including those in 2015, 2017, and 2018, South Sudan remains mired in political turmoil. Father John Gbemboyo, the Pastoral and Social Communication Coordinator for the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, described the ongoing conflict as giving rise to numerous armed factions and associated militias, which have fueled intercommunal violence and contributed to a severe humanitarian crisis. The signing of a peace agreement in 2018 aimed to rectify these challenges by laying down a roadmap for a general election slated for December 2024, alongside crucial reforms in governance and security. However, many stipulations of this agreement have remained unfulfilled due to a lack of political resolve and attempts by leaders to safeguard the interests of the ruling class. Consequently, the anticipated elections have been postponed to December 2026, leaving the nation in a state of ongoing instability. Cardinal Ameyu lamented the resulting corruption and mismanagement of resources, stressing that unresolved issues from the revitalized peace agreement continue to hinder national stability. The worsening economic conditions in South Sudan have compounded the crisis, with rampant inflation and delayed salaries for civil servants. Furthermore, natural disasters, including floods and heavy rains, have devastated agricultural land and infrastructure, exacerbating the plight of returnees and internally displaced persons fleeing from ongoing wars in neighboring Sudan. Concerning Sudan, Cardinal Ameyu conveyed severe apprehensions, characterizing the country as “bleeding” from its ongoing conflict. The war, which erupted on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, has resulted in significant casualties, widespread displacement, and dire humanitarian needs as countless people cross borders seeking refuge in South Sudan and bordering nations. Despite the grim circumstances, Cardinal Ameyu sees potential hope through the Synod on Synodality, advocating for dialogue and unity as essential to resolving both the Church’s and the nation’s political and social crises. He articulated the importance of leadership that seeks to serve rather than dominate, positing synodality as a pathway to peace and collective healing. Father Gbemboyo echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the synodal process could empower the global Church to offer meaningful support in South Sudan’s pursuit of peace, unity, and understanding among its diverse communities.

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011, following decades of civil strife and a peace agreement that concluded the longest civil war in Africa. The initial optimism surrounding the newly formed nation diminished shortly thereafter, as internal conflicts emerged, resulting in a civil war that has persisted despite multiple peace agreements. The presence of over sixty ethnic groups complicates political dynamics, leading to violence and humanitarian crises that continue to affect the region. As South Sudan grapples with governance challenges, economic instability, and a humanitarian emergency exacerbated by natural disasters, religious leaders have begun to voice their concerns and call for actionable measures to restore peace and stability.

In conclusion, the situation in South Sudan remains precarious, with its independence failing to translate into peace and stability. Cardinal Ameyu’s insights highlight the importance of accountable leadership and the need for constructive dialogue to navigate ongoing conflicts. There is a pressing need for serious commitment from South Sudan’s authorities to implement peace agreements and to reform the governance framework, which are critical for the country’s recovery and societal harmony. Moreover, the situation in Sudan further complicates the region’s stability, underscoring the interconnectedness of the crises facing both nations. The call for synodality offers a hopeful avenue for dialogue and cooperation, suggesting that together, both the Church and the state can work towards a more peaceful future.

Original Source: cruxnow.com