South Sudan Religious Leaders Condemn Targeted Killings and Destruction of Churches in Sudan

Representatives of the SSCC religious leaders during the reading of the joint statement (Photo: John Agok)

By John Agok

The South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) in Juba condemned the targeted killings and destruction of churches in Sudan by Sudan Army Forces. In a joint statement read by church representative Rev. James Lado Emiliano on Tuesday, they described the incidents as unfortunate following the killings of innocent civilians in Wad Madeni, Sudan, on January 16, 2025.

The press release, signed by SSCC Chair Most Rev. Dr. Justin Badi Arama and the Primate of the ECSS, among other church leaders, called on regional and international leaders to hold the Sudanese government accountable for the mass atrocities and targeted bombardments of churches.

“We, the leaders of SSCC and the faithful of South Sudan, with heavy hearts have learned of the unfortunate killings of South Sudanese and other African nationals in Wad Madani on January 16, 2025. The mass atrocities and killings of helpless innocent people conducted systematically by Sudan Army Forces (SAF) are unjustifiable. Even churches and places of worship were targeted by both factions in the conflict, and many churches were deliberately bombarded. This is a violation of religious rights and worship. In any case, the Sudanese government bears full responsibility for their forces,” the statement reads.

The leaders also appealed to the churches in Sudan to come together for Christian fellowship, solidarity, and unity to stand firm amid a hostile environment. Since the conflict began in Sudan in April 2023, churches in South Sudan have been supporting refugees with necessary humanitarian assistance, regardless of their ethnic and religious backgrounds. Due to the worsening situation caused by ongoing conflicts and further displacements from both man-made and natural disasters, such as flooding, church leadership has called for coordinated and unified humanitarian relief support for Sudanese refugees in South Sudan.

The Council of Churches leaders further called for accountability and demanded swift actions to protect civilians and ensure the safe return of South Sudanese from Sudan to South Sudan.

“Therefore, we, church leaders, call upon regional and international leaders to hold the government accountable for mass atrocities and bring the perpetrators to justice at all costs. This is a violation of religious and human rights. We also extend our heartfelt condolences to the family members and relatives of those killed in both countries. May their souls rest in eternal peace,” the statement concluded.

Reports indicate that 16 people were killed in a protest in South Sudan as a result of revenge killings following the slaughter of 29 South Sudanese nationals by SAF in Wad Madani. Despite a shared history and cultural ties between the two countries, this incident marks a dark chapter in their relations. Many South Sudanese still live in Sudan as refugees due to the conflicts that erupted in Juba in 2013 and 2016.