Tombura-Yambio, 30 April, 2023 / 9:55 pm (ACI Africa).
Religious leaders in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State (WES) have expressed concern about rising insecurity, and are calling on the population to remain calm.
In a communique issued Thursday, April 27, members of the Inter-Faith Council for Peace Initiative also decry hate speech among politicians, and advocate for constructive language.
On April 21, representatives of the Azande Community in Western Equatoria State (WES) issued a statement accusing the governor of deploying members of the South Sudan Defense Forces (SSPDF), a move that they said endangers the lives of civilians in Tombura and Ezo Counties of WES.
“The interfaith council for peace initiatives in Western Equatoria State condemn the insecurity taking place now in the state, particularly in Rii-Yubu Payam of Tambura County,” the faith leaders say in their statement.
They add in reference to the violent conflict, “The truth of the matter is not evident yet but it (the conflict) is affecting the lives of people and causing immense havoc and suffering in the communities.”