“Dialogue is no longer working”: Catholic Bishops Horrified by Worsening Fighting in Sudan and South Sudan

In a message they issued at the end of their November 7-14 Plenary Assembly that was held in South Sudan’s Catholic Diocese of Malakal, SSS-CBC members that they were “deeply disturbed” by the ongoing atrocities against civilians in Sudan and South Sudan and expressed concern that dialogue has been replaced by selfish interests of the parties to the conflicts.

Central to Bishops’ 51st annual Plenary Assembly that was realized under the theme “Building peace, healing wounds, and strengthening unity”, were the current trajectories of conflict and peace in Sudan and South Sudan, especially in Sudan where “abominable atrocities” have been reported, especially in Sudan’s El Fasher area that fell under rebels on October 23.

“Having prayed, reflected and shared on the pastoral situation of our two countries, we find ourselves deeply disturbed by the continuous devastating conflicts, and the dishonoured peace agreements in both countries, especially with the worsening situation in 2025,” the Catholic Church leaders said in the message shared with ACI Africa on Thursday, November 13.

They lamented, “It is alarming that dialogue is no longer seen as a vehicle for harmony, healing, reconciliation and unity. Instead of pursuing dialogue, selfish interests have taken central stage and have unleashed violence”. The Catholic Bishops said that dialogue failure had aggravated humanitarian crises in Sudan and South Sudan, led to community-based hatred and divisive propaganda, and destabilized livelihoods.

The entire situation, they said, was contributing to recurrent displacement, misappropriation of public resources, widespread hunger and a looming famine. Decrying what they described as “appalling human conditions” in Sudan and South Sudan, the Bishops expressed their spiritual closeness with the people affected by violence in both countries. They said that power struggle between governments and opposition groups in Sudan and South Sudan lacks respect for human dignity, “is harmful to the core, and maliciously selfish.”

“On the other hand, our land is full of the abundance of resources, which are misappropriated by individuals for their luxury, creating cliques of their supporters, amid abject poverty imposed on the common people. This attitude must change so that good governance takes root,” the Bishops said. They added, “We strongly remind you that to lead is to serve; power without service is a loss of direction.”

The Bishops also decried “unprecedented ethnic, tribal and even inter-tribal divisions” in the region, in the name of politics. Alluding to the independence of South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation that split away from Sudan in 2011, they said, “A nation born out of struggle for freedom has high chances of holding together in unity of purpose unless the vision that held the people together is lost.”

“Unity in diversity among the tribes, ethnic groups and communities of Sudan and South Sudan has always been the source of strength in the context of their histories, religions, race, and cultures. This richness in diversity should not be spoiled by short-sighted divisive politics,” the Bishop said, and added, “A prosperous future lies in living together harmoniously.”

The Church leaders also raised alarm that South Sudanese were being repatriated from Sudan forcefully, “without due consideration to the welfare of their children and other members of the families who depend on them” and called upon the two governments to find a just solution to the matter. The Bishops also appealed for the full implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) by all parties to create confidence in the people and “engage in sincere dialogue.”

They further called on the parties in the Sudan conflict to resume dialogue to end the people’s suffering. The Bishops expressed their solidarity with the people affected by violence in Sudan and South Sudan and pledged their commitment to continue advocating for dialogue in both countries. “As your Shepherds by the grace of God, we would like to assure you the people of Sudan and South Sudan that we share your pain and suffering and we are determined to pursue continuous advocacy for dialogue, reconciliation, healing, unity and peace both with the political leadership and grassroots,” the Bishops said. They added, “We ask for your prayers so that our leaders in Government and Opposition become more open for a sincere and amicable dialogue.”

They appealed for prayers to end the suffering in both countries, saying, “We, your bishops, invite every parish, religious community, and family to dedicate daily moments of prayer and fasting for peace”. “Let our churches become sanctuaries of hope, where all may find healing, unity, and renewed strength,” they said.

Agnes Aineah – ACI Africa