Sudanese bishops concerned by peace implementation

The bishops’ warning is contained in a pastoral letter written at the end of their plenary assembly on Friday in Yambio. The letter, which analyses the political situation in the Sudan, calls for genuine elections, and emphasizes the need for a change of attitude in order to enact the principles of democracy and good governance.

"We are afraid the spirit and the letter of the CPA are losing momentum in both leaders - the principal signatories of the CPA, the National Congress and the Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement – plus their supporters and their friends who helped them to achieve such a historic document."

The President of the Sudan Catholic Bishops Conference, Bishop Rudolph Deng Majak, who is also the bishop of Wau told Bakhita Radio in Yambio that the bishops are worried that the signatories to the CPA are not focused on the obligations of the peace agreement signed in Kenya on January 9, 2005.

A series of unresolved issues need to be addressed and remain suspended. These difficulties take their toll on the area and create dissatisfaction and tension. Moreover, both the central government and the South’s administration continue storing up arms.

The two peace partners say that there are no areas of dispute that could lead to another war, and that the storing-up of arms is part of the normal process for placing the arsenals up-to-date.

South Sudan claims to be arming itself only to guarantee internal security, which is threatened by the presence of Ugandan rebels of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

Bishop Deng asked Christians and Muslims to refocus on the CPA and urged leaders to mobilize the faithful to walk together, reconciled and united to implement the peace agreement.

Bishop Deng said that the Sudanese bishops answered the call of Pope Benedict XVI who had asked Catholics to reflect on the role of the Word of God.

The Catholic bishops of Sudan met at Bakhita Centre in Yambio from November 5 to 14 for their annual meeting. The theme of their plenary meeting was "The Word of God, Source of Reconciliation, Justice and Peace".

The 10-day assembly focused on the internal structure of the bishops’ conference and looked at issues affecting the society at various levels.

Source: Sudan Tribuine