Help restore peace in South Sudan, clerics tell world

Anglican Archbishop Eliud Wabukala (centre), his South Sudan counterpart Daniel Dena Bul Archbishop and other bishops during press conference in Mogotio, Baringo. (Photo: Kipsang Joseph)

The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya Eliud Wabukala and his South Sudan counterpart Daniel Dena Bul have appealed to the international community to fast-track peace efforts to resolve the conflict in South Sudan.

Speaking in Mogotio during a church function, the clerics said the on-going war was all about power struggle and not ethnic difference.

They said whereas they recognised the efforts put in by the international community led by Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad) in Addis Ababa, they believe that the international community could still do much more.

"We acknowledge and encourage speedy implementation of the reunification of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) as one party and welcome the amnesty that was decreed on February 24, 2012 by the President of South Sudan," they said.

They said the power struggle in the youngest African Nation was already derailing development.

The duo said they were afraid if the proposition fails, there was a likelihood of the conflict escalating into tribal and civil war.

"We appeal to the warring parties in South Sudan, the government, Sudan People's Liberation Army and SPLM to end this conflict for the sake of millions of South Sudan people who are suffering," they said.

The leaders issued the statement after consecration of Musa Kamuren as Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese of Nakuru at Mogotio ACK church Sunday.