By Sr. Laurencila Akinyi, FSSA
The Catholic Bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of Juba have issued a communiqué following their Annual Meeting from July 15-17, 2026, calling on political leaders, institutions, and all citizens to prioritize peace, dialogue, and constitutional order as South Sudan prepares for democratic elections scheduled for December 22, 2026.
The bishops expressed deep concern about the nation’s mounting economic challenges, including sharp currency depreciation and skyrocketing prices of goods and services, as well as ongoing violence between armed groups and security forces, and the encroachment of Uganda People’s Defence Forces into South Sudan’s southern borders.
Health and Humanitarian Concerns
While thanking God that no confirmed Ebola cases have been reported, the bishops noted ongoing threats from floods affecting multiple areas and expressed sympathy with farmers whose crops were damaged by droughts. They appealed to the international community and partners to assist people facing food insecurity.
Electoral and Constitutional Concerns
The bishops raised concerns about the December 22 election date, which coincides with Christmas, noting that a “looming transitional and constitutional crisis” exists regardless of whether elections proceed. They urged all stakeholders to implement the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement in good faith and to base electoral decisions on dialogue, mutual trust, constitutional order, and the common good.
Call for Unity and Against Division
The bishops appealed to all South Sudanese to reject violence, hatred, tribalism, and misinformation, emphasizing that citizens share a common destiny. They committed the Church to accompanying South Sudan through prayer, moral guidance, and constructive engagement.
A comprehensive pastoral message on the elections and national affairs will be issued in due course, offering Gospel-based guidance to help the faithful and people of goodwill participate responsibly in democratic processes.
The bishops concluded by inviting all clergy, religious, families, and people of goodwill to pray for the nation, asking the Lord to grant leaders wisdom, citizens courage, and the nation unity and lasting peace.
