Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla has expressed deep concerns regarding the escalating problems in South Sudan since its independence in 2011. He highlighted the government’s mismanagement of resources, ongoing conflicts, and worsening humanitarian conditions. The situation is further aggravated by economic decline and natural disasters, prompting the need for collective dialogue as emphasized in the Synod on Synodality, which may offer potential resolutions to these challenges.
In a recent address during the Synod on Synodality in Rome, Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla, the leading Catholic figure in South Sudan, lamented the escalating issues faced by the nation following its independence from Sudan in 2011. Cardinal Ameyu emphasized the unfulfilled promise of peace and stable governance, attributing the dilemmas to mismanagement of natural resources by the ruling authorities. He expressed disillusionment, stating, “We thought that we were going to solve our problems. But it seems that problems have increased.” Despite the initial hopes for a prosperous nation, South Sudan has been marred by political turbulence and civil strife since its independence, particularly following the eruption of civil war in 2013. The conflict has resulted in severe human rights crises and a humanitarian disaster, exacerbated by natural calamities such as floods that have devastated agricultural lands and infrastructure. Furthermore, the economic situation continues to deteriorate amidst rampant inflation and delayed salaries for civil servants, prompting widespread suffering among the populace. Cardinal Ameyu highlighted the lack of political will to implement key provisions from the 2018 peace agreement which aimed for elections and security reforms, with the general election postponed to December 2026. In the larger context, the Cardinal extended his concern beyond South Sudan, addressing the dire situation in neighboring Sudan where a violent conflict has led to significant casualties and displacement, marking a period of instability and suffering predefined by power struggles among military leaders. Despite these challenges, Cardinal Ameyu maintains that the Synod on Synodality holds promise for addressing these crises. He remarked on the importance of dialogue and collective action, asserting, “Without dialogue we cannot settle things in the church or in the political arena. Synodality, going together, is the way for us to resolve our own problems.” The sentiments echo broader community aspirations in South Sudan, reinforcing the need for an inclusive approach towards peace and stability, bolstered by theological and humanitarian support from global institutions.
South Sudan gained its independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011, following a protracted civil war that lasted for several decades. This historic event initially sparked hopes for a new era of peace and prosperity among the country’s diverse populations. However, not long after independence, escalating tensions led to civil war in 2013, rooted in political power struggles primarily between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy, Dr. Riek Machar. These conflicts have persisted and manifested through violence, humanitarian crises, and widespread poverty. Furthermore, the country’s governance challenges have been compounded by natural disasters and the influx of refugees fleeing conflict from neighboring Sudan, significantly impacting the nation’s economic stability.
The situation in South Sudan, as articulated by Cardinal Ameyu, reflects a complex cycle of conflict, poor governance, and humanitarian challenges that continue to afflict the nation. The unfulfilled commitments following independence have led to political instability and socio-economic decline. However, the Cardinal’s advocacy for Synodality highlights a potential pathway to foster dialogue and collaborative efforts among various stakeholders in pursuit of peace and stability. The overarching narratives of both South Sudan and Sudan demonstrate an urgent need for effective leadership and solidarity in addressing the grave issues facing these nations.
Original Source: cruxnow.com
