South Sudan’s Cardinal Ameyu Martin Mulla Encourages Peaceful Elections Amid Postponement
By Paul Samasumo – Vatican City
South Sudan’s Archbishop of Juba, Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla, has expressed his support for the postponed general elections in South Sudan. He believes that the two-year extension could be a valuable opportunity for politicians to ensure peaceful elections by laying the groundwork and necessary conditions.
Embracing the Postponement
In a recent statement, Cardinal Ameyu stated, “If the people of South Sudan and political parties, through inter-party dialogue, have accepted the postponement of the elections for another two years, we have no problem with the status quo. Our role as a Church is to encourage political parties to prepare adequately for the upcoming elections, ensuring that all citizens can exercise their right to vote freely and peacefully.”
The Importance of National Census
Last month, the South Sudanese government announced the extension of the transitional period by two years to conduct a national census, draft a permanent constitution, and establish a voter register in preparation for the postponed elections originally scheduled for December 2024.
Cardinal Ameyu noted the importance of addressing the economic and social challenges facing the country, including the prevalence of armed groups, intercommunal violence, and the internal displacement crisis.
Promoting Peace through the Tumaini Peace Initiative
The Cardinal praised the progress made with the Tumaini Peace Initiative, a mediation process aiming to resolve the conflict in South Sudan by incorporating all parties that have not yet signed the 2018 peace agreement.
He highlighted the positive impact of Pope Francis’s historic visit to South Sudan in 2023, noting increased spiritual engagement and a significant reduction in violence across the country following the visit.
Creating a Path to Peace
As the nation continues its journey towards stability and prosperity, Cardinal Ameyu emphasized the importance of unity, dialogue, and prayer in building a peaceful and resilient South Sudan.
The visit of Pope Francis and ongoing efforts for reconciliation signal hope for a brighter future in the country, urging all stakeholders to work together towards lasting peace and development.
