Lutherans 'Gravely Concerned' Over Rising Violence in Sudan

Lutheran head the Rev. Ishmael Noko said on Monday that he is "gravely concerned" about the recent violence in South Sudan and called for "urgent international action" to uphold the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and to prevent the country from falling into civil war.

"Five years after the CPA was signed, the people of South Sudan have still seen no 'peace dividend' in terms of improved security or development, and their confidence in the peace process has been badly undermined," Noko said in a statement issued on Monday.

"Only one more year remains of the six-year period of administrative autonomy granted to South Sudan under the CPA before a referendum on possible succession should be held."

"I call on the Government of Sudan, the Government of South Sudan and the international community urgently to redouble their efforts for the effective implementation of the CPA, so as to bring Sudan back onto the path to peace."

According to Noko, key steps in an effective peacemaking process for the region include an increase of the Sudanese government's capacity to provide internal security to its civilians, the adoption of the mandate of the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS), and the strengthening of UNMIS's engagement with local authorities, communities and religious leaders.

"All key outstanding issues between CPA partners, particularly in relation to the 2011 referendum, should be resolved through concerted international mediation," he said. "Donors must in the meantime address the terrible – and deteriorating – humanitarian situation in South Sudan through a significant increase in emergency funding, and increased support for local religious entities and NGOs which have the best capacity to reach South Sudan's most remote and vulnerable communities."

The general secretary also shared about the rising difficulties the violence has placed on Lutheran World Federation (LWF) peacebuilding efforts, which include rehabilitating communities, water sources and schools that have been damaged in the conflict, as well as promoting agricultural self-sufficiency. Noko

"Rising insecurity increasingly impedes access to remote communities. Banditry and cattle-raiding is quickly escalating into significant inter-tribal warfare with heavy loss of life. And repeated postponement of the planned national election and inadequate capacity-building for democratic participation is stifling the nation-rebuilding process," Noko said.

Despite the opposition, Noko said that the LWF will stay committed to its work in the region.

"LWF reiterates its commitment to working with the churches in Sudan and other partners, in the framework of the Sudan Ecumenical Forum, to strengthen the peace process in Sudan, to continue to work for the rehabilitation and development of South Sudan, and to improve the lives and prospects of all the people of Sudan," he concluded.

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