Catholic Bishops Condemn Killing of Nearly 170 in South Sudan

They say that they are “deeply alarmed by the persistent cruelty of the violence” that erupted in Ayod County of Jonglei State and Abiemnhom County in the Ruweng Administrative Area. “These acts represent not only a tragic loss of life but a fresh descent into the abyss of human depravity, where the sanctity of life, a sacred gift from God, is trampled upon with alarming impunity,” Catholic Bishops in Sudan and South Sudan say.

“Heinous and senseless” killings

The Catholic Church leaders have strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as morally indefensible and an affront to both human dignity and faith. “The blood of our brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, shed not on a battlefield but within their own communities, cries out to Heaven,” they lament, and continue, “We are profoundly disturbed not only by the scale of suffering but by the brazen disregard for human dignity that such acts represent.”

SSS-CBC members add that the killings are “heinous and senseless acts” for which there can be no justification. “Such acts are an offence against God, the Author of Life, and a grave sin against humanity,” they emphasize. The statement comes amid growing concern over renewed violence in parts of South Sudan, where armed clashes and intercommunal attacks reportedly continue to undermine fragile peace efforts.

Deadly attacks in Ayod and Abiemnhom

Reports from Ayod County in Jonglei State indicate that on February 21, government-linked forces allegedly lured villagers in Pankor village with promises of food aid before opening fire on the gathering. At least 22 people, including women and children, were reportedly killed in the attack. Witnesses described the incident as a “death trap,” fuelling fears that unarmed civilians are increasingly being deliberately targeted in the country’s continuing conflicts involving rival armed factions.

A second and more deadly incident reportedly occurred in Abiemnhom County in the Ruweng Administrative Area between March 1 and March 2. Local officials have reported that armed youths from neighbouring Unity State stormed the County headquarters, attacking government offices and civilian areas. The assault reportedly left at least 169 people dead, including civilians, security personnel, and local government officials such as the county commissioner and executive director.

During the attack, homes and markets were set ablaze before government forces regained control of the town. Women, children, and elderly residents were among those killed, while more than 1,000 civilians fled to seek refuge at a United Nations peacekeeping base as fighting intensified.

Solidarity with victims and affected communities

In their statement dated March 2, Catholic Bishops in Sudan and South Sudan express solidarity with communities affected by the violence, particularly the people of Ayod and Abiemnhom counties. The Catholic Church leaders say they stand “in unwavering solidarity” with communities that have once again been plunged into grief, fear, and displacement.

Turning to the bereaved families, SSS-CBC members express pastoral closeness and condolences. “We cannot fully comprehend the depth of your suffering, but we assure you: you are not alone. The Church is your family. We weep with you. We pray with you,” they say. Entrusting those killed to God’s mercy, the Catholic Bishops pray that “the angels lead them into Paradise.”

They also express solidarity with the local Church leadership, acknowledging the heavy pastoral burden carried by Catholic Bishops serving communities affected by violence, including Bishop Stephen Nyodho Ador Majwok of the Diocese of Malakal and Bishop Christian Carlassare of Bentiu Diocese.

Warning against “culture of deadly revenge”

Beyond condemning the killings, SSS-CBC members address what they describe as a deeply entrenched culture of retaliatory violence that perpetuates conflict in some parts of South Sudan. Speaking with what they term pastoral honesty, the Catholic Church leaders warn that cycles of revenge driven by anger, historical grievances, and collective blame continue to destroy families and weaken communities.

“Revenge is not justice. Collective punishment is not strength. Blood for blood is not dignity. This mentality must end,” they warn. Quoting the late Pope Francis, Sudan and South Sudan’s Catholic Bishops recall that “war is a defeat for humanity,” warning that every massacre and revenge killing erodes the moral foundations of society. They also urge Christians to use the current liturgical Season of Lent as a time for repentance and spiritual renewal. “The Gospel demands transformation, not the perpetuation of violence,” they emphasize.

Call for justice and government accountability

SSS-CBC members make an urgent appeal to South Sudan’s transitional authorities to fulfill their responsibility to protect civilians and uphold the rule of law. They call for “immediate, decisive, and transparent action,” including independent investigations into the attacks in Ayod and Abiemnhom, the identification of perpetrators, and the prosecution of those responsible.

“Impunity feeds repetition. Justice restores trust,” the Catholic Church leaders say. They add that the people of South Sudan are weary of “words without deeds” and urgently need security, justice, and the protection of their fundamental human dignity. The Catholic Bishops also urge authorities to deploy sufficient resources to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further retaliatory violence. Invoking a biblical warning against violence, when God confronts Cain after he murders his brother, Abel, in Genesis 4:10, they recall the words: “The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.”

Appeal for prayer and humanitarian support

Catholic Bishops in Sudan and South Sudan further call upon Christians and all people of goodwill in the two neighbouring countries to intensify prayer for peace, reconciliation, and wise leadership. They also appeal to humanitarian organizations to provide urgent assistance to survivors who are now facing displacement, trauma, and loss.

Such support, the Catholic Church leaders note, should include pastoral and psychosocial care as well as access to basic necessities and protection. In what they describe as a Lenten call to national conversion, SSS-CBC members declare their collective commitment to a different path for the nation, saying, “We renounce the culture of deadly revenge. We reject tribal hatred. We refuse to normalize massacres. We choose the demanding path of justice, reconciliation, and peace.”

Entrusting the people of Sudan and South Sudan to the intercession of Mary, Our Lady of Hope, SSS-CBC members pray for an end to violence and for lasting peace in the region. They also encourage the faithful not to surrender to despair, reminding them that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Silas Isenjia – ACI Africa