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Cardinal in South Sudan Expresses Hope in “Tumaini Peace Initiative”, Condemns Violence in Tombura-Yambio Diocese

Jude Atemanke

By Jude Atemanke

Juba, 23 December, 2024 / 11:42 am (ACI Africa).

Stephen Cardinal Ameyu of South Sudan’s Catholic Archdiocese of Juba has expressed optimism about the “Tumaini Peace Initiative”, the high-level mediation forum that seeks to address the civil war in South Sudan, incorporating groups that are not party to the 2018 the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

Addressing journalists on December 20, Cardinal Ameyu also weighed in on the violence conflict in South Sudan’s Yambio County that is served by the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY).

“Tumaini will be a comprehensive peace because it brings together all peace agreements we have signed,” he said.

The South Sudanese Cardinal added, “In this way, I think the Tumaini initiative will answer many of our questions.”

However,  the Local Ordinary of Juba who doubles as President of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSS-CBC) acknowledged public skepticism following setbacks in previous agreements and recent government delegations stepping away for consultations.

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To counter growing hopelessness, Cardinal Ameyu appealed to Christians to remain steadfast in faith and hope. 

“Hopelessness has no place for Christians. We are not going to live forever in war, chaos, or difficulties. There is a day of God when He will liberate us and give us peace,” he said.

The Tumaini (Hope) Initiative, launched in May 2024 by President Kiir, seeks to facilitate mediation between the Government of South Sudan (GoSS) and the Holdout Groups (HGs), who previously refused to sign the R-ARCSS agreement in Addis Ababa, citing concerns over unresolved issues. The initiative gained momentum after the Kenyan President's endorsement and has since been a critical step in the peace process.

The Tumaini initiative is a memorandum of understanding signed by the transitional Government and the Opposition Movement Alliance (SSOMA).

In the December 20 press conference, Cardinal Ameyu addressed ongoing violence in Tombura County, including the shooting of a church, which has disrupted Christmas preparations for many Christians. 

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Cardinal in South Sudan Expresses Hope in “Tumaini Peace Initiative”, Condemns Violence in Tombura-Yambio Diocese

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“We condemn any shooting of the church or its institutions because we are not part of the conflict,” he said in reference to the conflict in the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY).

Cardinal Ameyu shared his experience of divisions during a 2022 visit to Tombura, where he witnessed how deeply entrenched tribal divisions had strained relationships.

“Despite the animosity, people were able to go to the market together and talk to one another. After my visit, we celebrated a great Mass where people from divided tribes prayed together,” he recounted.

The Cardinal expressed hope for reconciliation, emphasizing the Church’s role as a bridge for peace.

“The Church is there to help people come together. If we address these conflicts, peace will prevail in South Sudan, and Christians will be able to celebrate Christmas together,” Cardinal Ameyu said.

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He urged South Sudanese to resist divisions and work collectively toward peace, saying, “Let us not exaggerate situations or allow the devil, who crawls around our communities, to fuel division.”

As Christmas approaches, Cardinal Ameyu called for a recommitment to the values of hope, unity, and reconciliation. 

“We are brothers and sisters. By displaying unity in the face of conflict, South Sudan can move closer to lasting peace,” he said.

Jude Atemanke

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.