South Sudan’s President Vows Country Will Never Return to War

(Juba) – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the country never returns to war, following discussions with the Archbishop of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, Dr. Justin Badi Arama.

President Kiir met with Archbishop Justin Badi Arama on Wednesday, where the two discussed the importance of maintaining peace in the country. According to the Presidential Press Unit, the president reassured the church leader of his dedication to restoring stability and preventing any further conflict. The discussion highlighted the need for cooperation between the government, opposition forces, and religious leaders in fostering a peaceful future.

Archbishop Arama urged all armed groups to lay down their weapons and prioritise dialogue over violence. He called upon both the government and opposition forces to commit to peace for the benefit of the nation. The church leader emphasised that religious institutions will continue to engage with all sides, working towards a sustainable and long-term peace.

During the meeting, prayers were held for peace, national unity, and coexistence among South Sudanese citizens. The religious leaders expressed their hope that trust between President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar could be rebuilt, paving the way for a meaningful dialogue to prevent the country from relapsing into conflict.

The peace initiative by South Sudan’s religious leaders is part of a broader effort to bring together the country’s political rivals. On Tuesday, Archbishop Arama and Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Mulla met with Vice President and Chairperson of the Economic Cluster, where they made a similar appeal for dialogue and peaceful resolution of political tensions.

South Sudan has faced years of internal strife since gaining independence in 2011. Despite a fragile peace agreement signed between Kiir and Machar in 2018, tensions remain high, and outbreaks of violence continue to threaten stability. The involvement of religious leaders in the peace process is seen as a crucial step in fostering reconciliation and preventing a return to widespread conflict.