The Cardinal of the Catholic Church in South Sudan, Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla, has called on the government to immediately convene a meeting to address the recent violence between herders and farmers in Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria.
On January 31, suspected armed youth from Pibor and Eastern Equatoria attacked a cattle camp for the Dinka Bor herders at Nyolo Village, Aru Junction, killing 41 herders and injuring 65 others. This came after tensions and complaints from the local community in Magwi County that the Jonglei herders were destroying their property
Addressing journalists on Friday in Juba, Cardinal Ameyu said the government should engage the farmers and the herders to foster understanding, prevent hostility, and promote peaceful coexistence.
“We call upon the government at all levels to take decisive action in addressing the root causes of these conflicts by holding immediate high-level meetings between the governments of Jonglei State, Eastern Equatoria State, and representatives of the armed forces,” said Ameyu.
The Catholic prelate said the tragic loss of lives, destruction of property, and the displacement of communities that had occurred as a result of these conflicts were deeply distressing.
He called on all parties to immediately cease hostilities and embrace dialogue at all levels as the only path to lasting peace.
“We recognize the complexity of the conflict, rooted in the continuous cycle of cattle migration, competition for resources, and unaddressed historical grievances, which have fueled violent conflicts between herders and farmers. These challenges must not be used to justify violence or the disregard of human life and dignity.”
The prelate also called upon people in the diaspora to use social media responsibly to promote peace and unity.
“We also urge the government to provide adequate security to all citizens. As the Church, we commit ourselves to praying for peace and working tirelessly with all stakeholders to promote reconciliation and healing.”