Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

As fighting continues to rage in Sudan, Catholic bishops in neighboring South Sudan have accused warring factions of committing “horrendous war crimes” while the population suffers from “a humanitarian disaster.”

In a June 29 pastoral message, the prelates noted that “the fabric of Sudanese society has been torn apart, with people shocked, traumatized, and disbelieving about the level of violence and hatred.” The escalating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) shows no signs of abating.

War broke out in Sudan on April 15, 2023, between two rival armed factions of the Sudanese military government. To date, almost 15,000 people have been killed and nearly 9 million displaced, resulting in what is now considered the worst displacement crisis globally. Nearly 2 million displaced individuals have fled to unstable areas in Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, overwhelming refugee camps. The United Nations continues to plead for more support as over 25 million people require humanitarian assistance amidst deteriorating food security conditions that risk triggering “the world’s largest hunger crisis.”

South Sudan bishops highlighted economic factors complicating peace efforts. “This is not simply a war between two generals,” they stated. "Both SAF and RSF have networks of wealthy elite Sudanese and international individuals and cartels who benefit from their control of various economic sectors and are linked to external sponsors who continue to provide them with increasingly sophisticated weapons."

“Our leaders are not ready for peace,” said Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille Kuku Andali of El Obeid during a press conference where he read the bishops’ statement. He urged the warring factions “to think of the people and nation," emphasizing that continued fighting exacerbates ethnic divisions.

“Kneel down to pray,” he continued. "Hear the voice of God and the voice of the people... Go back to dialogue as children of one mother and one father."

Bishops in South Sudan have joined other global agencies calling for humanitarian assistance to Sudan despite shrinking international aid due to conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Other faith-based nongovernmental organizations urging action include Caritas Internationalis, the World Council of Churches, and Jesuit Refugee Service.

These NGOs sent a message to the United Nations Human Rights Council on June 18 in Geneva calling for an immediate ceasefire and meaningful dialogue for lasting peace. They condemned repeated sexual violence targeting women and children while noting that displacement had reached "untenable levels." They warned that without immediate funding support,"the capacity of neighboring countries to respond will soon reach a breaking point."

As fighting persists with its attendant humanitarian consequences, Pope Francis has been vocal in his calls for an end to violence.

Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of Tombura-Yambio expressed concerns over strained humanitarian aid due to an influx of refugees into South Sudan from Sudan. He emphasized that “the church in Sudan appeals to us to help stop the war... prepare for ‘after the war’...and above all, pray for them.”