By Ebi Kesiena
Some church leaders in South Sudan are calling on the signatories of the revitalized peace agreement to implement the deal, adding the country’s economic crisis has affected the majority of South Sudanese who are yearning for peace and better opportunities.
In their Easter messages to South Sudanese faithful, the church leaders called for togetherness, peace and nation-building for the world’s youngest country.
The Moderator General of the Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan, the Reverend James Dong, told VOA the signatories of the 2018 peace agreement hold the keys to stability in South Sudan.
“Our message to the leadership of South Sudan is that they should rise up to their responsibilities and take the challenges as part of their responsibility and give us peace. The leaders should embark on the implementation of the R-ARCSS signed in 2018 in letter and spirit,” Dong said.
“We are also happy to hear that our President Salva Kiir has repeatedly said that he will not take this country back to war which is a good statement,” adding that he hopes that will continue to be the case.
He said church leaders understand issues affecting South Sudanese, stressing that peace remains the key demand of South Sudanese.
“We know we are passing through difficult times and economic hiccups but the only thing that could wave this away is to have peace in place. When there is peace, everybody would work independently and produce their own food.
“So I wish the South Sudanese faithful that this Easter will not be celebrated as usual but turn to God in prayers and fasting that started long ago and is broken today. That should be a meaning of prayers and fasting with a change of heart.” He said.
