Peace is possible, say Sudanese bishops

Leaders of the Catholic Church in Sudan say that although the country’s future is uncertain, war need not be inevitable.

In a communiqué issued at the end of their plenary assembly this week, the bishops said that preparations for referenda on the country’s future and the contested oil-rich region of Abyei were “far” behind schedule.

They said there were “serious concerns” as to whether the referenda would take place in a free, fair and transparent manner.

On January 9, Southern Sudanese will vote on whether they wish to remain united with the North or secede. There are fears that if they decide to secede, as is expected, conflict will erupt again and Southern Sudan will be crippled by an influx of refugees from the North.

The bishops said: “We are acutely aware of the uncertainty, fear and even despair that burden the people of Sudan.

“The build-up of troops on both sides of the north-south border is not conducive to peace.

“However these tensions need not and should not lead to war. Regardless of the choices made and the lines drawn, peace is possible.”

They warned that a flawed referendum could cause tension and conflict in the country, a development many fear will destabilise the entire region.

They said Southern Sudanese living in the North were already experiencing “threats and intimidation” and that although many have already starting moving back to the South, some will be unable to do so because of their circumstances.

“All must be protected,” the bishops said.

The bishops called on the international community to ensure the safety of vulnerable communities, particularly Southerners living in the North, and urged humanitarian agencies to step in to help people resettle.

They added: “We repeat our demand and our hope that the referenda for the South and Abyei be held on time in a free, fair and transparent manner."

The referendum on unity was one of the conditions of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed five years ago to end decades of civil war. A new conflict is likely to reverse much of the reconstruction work that has taken place since then.

The bishops added: “If the outcome is secession ... cooperation and collaboration must continue in a spirit of good neighbourliness.

“Mutually beneficial compromises must be reached over issues such as oil, borders and citizenship.”