South Sudan: 15 years of independence and violence

Insecurity is rampart in many areas due to fighting between the Government forces and those aligned with Vice-president Riek Machar, who is under house arrest, and other opposition militias, and by inter-communal fighting.

Conflict is also strong in the Greater Tonj counties of Warrap State for the past two years due to cattle raiding and political violence. Lately, it claimed lives, injured many people, and spread fear among families in Tonj North. Fighting reached also Warrap city, the state capital.

It touched also the Catholic Church in Tonj South. A catechist and a seminarian were threatened by armed men. They were travelling for pastoral ministry in Awul mission, run by the Comboni Missionaries, and sped away unharmed.

On Independence Day, the Church leadership of Rumbek Diocese issued an appeal for peace in Greater Tonj.

“We especially urge the authorities to guarantee security, uphold justice, and safeguard innocent civilians. We also invite all sons and daughters of Warrap, wherever they live, to become ambassadors of unity rather than division”, the appeal reads.

The heads of the Church appealed to young people, families, elders, community leaders, public authorities, and all people of good will to reject violence, resist revenge, protect every human life, and choose dialogue and reconciliation.

“On this Independence Day, let us renew together our commitment to build the South Sudan that so many dreamed of a nation where every child can grow without fear, every family can live in safety, and every community becomes a home of justice, solidarity, and peace”, the message concluded.

South Sudan is scheduled to have elections on December 22, 2026. The last time they went to the polls was in 2010.