杏MAP导航

By Devin Watkins

杏MAP导航 Francis has sent Christmas greetings to the political leaders of South Sudan once again this year.

As with last year鈥檚 message, the 杏MAP导航 was joined by Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, the Reverend Martin Fair, in signing the Christmas message.

Servants of all

The three begin their greetings with a reminder of the humble earthly beginnings of the Son of God.

鈥淚n this Christmas season, we remember that our Lord Jesus Christ came into the world among the least鈥攊n a dusty stable with animals,鈥� they write. 鈥淟ater, he called those who wish to be great in His kingdom to be the servant of all.鈥�

At their historic meeting in the Vatican in April 2019, 杏MAP导航 Francis offered South Sudan鈥檚 leaders a concrete example of humble service, when he knelt to kiss their feet.

Plea to speed up peace process

Referencing that encounter in their message, the 杏MAP导航 with the other Christian leaders urged the African nation鈥檚 politicians to remember their commitments 鈥渢o bring your country to a smooth implementation of the Peace Agreement.鈥�

They also recalled their pledge to 鈥渧isit South Sudan in due course, as things return to normalcy.鈥�

鈥淲e have been glad to see the small progress you have made, but know it is not enough for your people to feel the full effect of peace,鈥� they caution.

Greater trust, generosity

杏MAP导航 Francis, Archbishop Welby, and Reverend Fair repeated their desire to visit the country in order 鈥渢o bear witness to a changed nation, governed by leaders who鈥� 鈥榟old hands, united鈥� as simple citizens鈥� to 鈥榖ecome Fathers (and Mothers) of the Nation.鈥欌��

They concluded their Christmas greetings praying that South Sudan鈥檚 political leaders might 鈥渒now greater trust among yourselves and a greater generosity of service to your people.鈥�

鈥淲e pray you know the peace that surpasses understanding in your own hearts and in the heart of your great nation.鈥�

Long-running conflict

South Sudan fell into civil war not long after it gained independence from Sudan, which came in July 2011.

The conflict raged from 2013 until September 2018, and pitted the forces of President Salva Kiir鈥攁n ethnic Dinka鈥攁gainst those of his Vice President, Riek Machar鈥攁n ethnic Nuer.

Over 400,000 people died in the civil war, another 250,000 fled their homes, and around half of the population of 11 million were left in dire poverty.

In September 2018, the peace process was restarted with the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

However, the situation remains complicated. The UN鈥檚 head of mission, David Shearer, recently reported to the UN Security Council that the peace accord is not being implemented as it should. He said violence still afflicts large portions of the nation.