Sudan, South Sudan Catholic Bishops Issue Joint Statement
(MALAKAL) – The Catholic Bishops of Sudan and South Sudan have called for peace, dialogue and unity amid worsening conflict in both countries.
The 51st annual plenary assembly of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference took place in Malakal from 7th to 14th November 2025 under the theme: “Building peace, healing wounds and strengthening unity.”
In their pastoral message, the bishops said they were deeply concerned about the continued violence, broken peace agreements, and growing humanitarian crises.
They warned that selfish political interests have replaced dialogue, leading to displacement, hunger, misappropriation of resources and ethnic divisions.
The bishops condemned misuse of public resources by politicians for personal gain while ordinary citizens face poverty. They stressed that leadership must prioritise service to the people and the common good, citing Pope Francis and Desmond Tutu on justice and fairness.
They expressed alarm at politically motivated ethnic divisions and called on citizens to protect unity in diversity. They also urged governments to address forced repatriation of vulnerable South Sudanese from Sudan with care for families and children.
On security, the bishops called for responsible disarmament in South Sudan, highlighting that indiscriminate attacks on civilians are never justified. They urged full implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and encouraged Sudanese parties to resume dialogue under the Jeddah Declaration.
The bishops expressed concern over the downsizing of UNMISS and the closure of some stations, warning that these changes could affect peace and stability.
They also highlighted the devastating impact of floods, which have submerged villages, schools, farms, and health facilities, adding to human suffering.
Amid these challenges, the bishops encouraged hope and faith, reminding people that God’s plans are for peace and not disaster. They announced the re-launch of Small Christian Communities as part of the Synod on Synodality, aiming to strengthen grassroots dialogue, reconciliation, and peacebuilding.
They called on clergy, religious communities and families to dedicate daily prayer and fasting for peace, and invoked Mary, Queen of Peace, St Joseph, and the Holy Spirit to guide efforts for justice, compassion and lasting peace.
Main Concerns Highlighted by Bishops
| Issue | Details | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Political Power Struggles | Misuse of resources, selfish leadership | Prioritise common good and accountable governance |
| Ethnic Divisions | Politically motivated inter-tribal conflicts | Promote unity in diversity, reconciliation |
| Forced Repatriation | Vulnerable South Sudanese returned from Sudan | Ensure protection of families and children |
| Security & Disarmament | Indiscriminate attacks on civilians | Conduct disarmament with respect for human dignity |
| UNMISS Downsizing | Reduced staff and closed stations | International partners to continue support |
| Floods | Destruction of farms, schools, homes | Investigate causes, provide humanitarian aid |
| Community Initiatives | Small Christian Communities relaunched | Use for grassroots peacebuilding and dialogue |
The bishops concluded by reaffirming solidarity with the people of Sudan and South Sudan, encouraging forgiveness, reconciliation and sustained advocacy for peace at both leadership and grassroots levels.
Sudan, South Sudan Catholic Bishops Issue Joint Statement
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