Update from Dane Smith
There have been numerous media commentaries about South Sudan on the occasion of its tenth anniversary of independence — most of them tritely lamenting the “tragic” evolution of nationhood and a lack of progress on governance. Messages from some international leaders are worthy of mention. The letter from the Archbishop of Canterbury and Moderator of the Church of Scotland mentioned “some small progress” on the 2018 peace agreement (R/ARCSS) but said “your people continue to live in fear and uncertainty and lack confidence that their nation can indeed deliver the ‘justice, liberty and prosperity in your national anthem.” It recalled the meeting that brought President Kiir and Vice President Machar to the Vatican in 2019 and expressed the hope that the promises made there “will shape your actions.”
Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called on the US Government to work with its European and other partners and African stakeholders to “rehabilitate the broken South Sudan peace process.” He called on Washington to appoint an experienced ambassador to Juba, to place additional sanctions on South Sudanese political actors, to oppose budget support to South Sudan from international financial institutions, and to pursue alternative justice and accountability mechanisms since the hybrid court called for by the peace agreement remains in limbo.
The South Sudan Council of Churches reports several peace initiatives during the late May-early June period, among them: 1) A consultation in Eastern Equatoria involving community leaders, church leaders, women, and youth aimed at easing conflict among the Toposa, Buya, and Didinga peoples; 2) A peace partner conference in Bor in Jonglei State to deal with Lou Nuer, Dinka Bor, and Murle violence; 3) a solidarity visit to Malakal in Upper Nile working with local church leaders, community leaders and elders, youth and women on revenge killings and hate speech.
In Sudan tensions have risen over security sector and economic reform. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo “Hemedti” said he would not merge his Rapid Support Forces (RSF) with regular forces into a single army, as provided by the October 2020 peace agreement. Transitional Prime Minister Hamdok warned that failure to complete security sector reforms could lead to chaos and civil war. Popular demonstrations against the IMF have taken place in Khartoum, where June 30 police dispersed more than 100, although the Fund had the previous day approved a debt relief package of $1.4 billion. The IMF and World Bank announced at the same time that Khartoum was eligible for further debt relief, clearing the way for elimination 90% of Sudan’s $56 billion external debt within the next three years. In another development betraying political tension, the Sudanese Government arrested at least 200 NCP members “preparing for acts of destruction,” according to Al Jazeera.
Executive Director
Focus Area: Theological Education
Bishop Gwynne College Reopens
Rev. Dr. Samuel Galuak Marial reports from Bishop Gwynne College (BGC), Juba-based flagship institution of the new Episcopal University of South Sudan, that Covid-19 affected the college to a limited extent. A few students and staff were infected in January 2021, but each recovered. The college, which had closed down in March 2020, reopened on May 14. Most returning students had to fly from the countryside to Juba because of floods and insecurity by land. The Most Rev. Samuel Peni, Archbishop of Western Equatoria, and Bishop Michael Deng Kutpiny, Bishop of Abyei, were particularly helpful in facilitating those flights.
Bishop Gwynne has a new chapel, dedicated to the memory of Archbishop Elenana Ngalamu, the first Primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, in November 2021. The dedication came during the annual meeting of the House of Bishops and was attended by Archbishop Justin Badi Arama, Primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, and some 63 bishops.
Founded in 1945, BGC is celebrating 76 years of ministry. It is the oldest learning institution in South Sudan – the place where generations of ECSS ministers have been theologically formed and prepared for ordained and lay ministry. It has had essential financial support from Good Book (UK), Anglican International Development (UK), Anglican Aid (Australia), Australian Oversea Counsel, and UK Anglican Canon Trevor and Tina Stubbs. Current challenges, for which BGC needs particular help, are the essential internet connection it cannot currently afford in Juba, plus additional classrooms. Financial support can be provided through AFRECS (see below).
News and Notes
AFRECS transmits funds for Episcopal University scholarships
From Dane Smith, AFRECS Executive Director
AFRECS has transmitted to the Episcopal University of South Sudan $10,000 to fund scholarships for needy students. The funding comes from an $8000 grant from the Gadsden Trust of Grace Episcopal Church in Lexington, Virginia, and $2000 from AFRECS President Phil Darrow.
A letter from Hattie Williams forwarded by Bp John Gattek Wallam, Assistant Bishop of the Upper Nile Province and Bishop of Bentiu
Bishop Gattek included a request for prayers for the nation of South Sudan, its leaders and the church in his email.
Pope, Archbishop, and Moderator drop hints to South Sudan leadership
by Hattie Williams
12 July 2021
Personal sacrifice needed ‘to shape a nation that reflects God’s kingdom’
ALAMY
The President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, addresses the nation on the tenth anniversary of its independence, on Friday, at the State House in Juba.
POLITICIANS in South Sudan must be prepared to make personal sacrifices to reverse the fear and uncertainty that continues to grip the nation, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Pope Francis, and Church of Scotland Moderator, Jim Wallace, have warned.
In a joint letter to political leaders in South Sudan on the tenth anniversary of its independence (Comment, 9 July), published on Friday, Archbishop Welby, Pope Francis, and Mr. Wallace write that “small progress” had been made in the country’s first decade. “Sadly, your people continue to live in fear and uncertainty, and lack confidence that their nation can indeed deliver the ‘justice, liberty and prosperity’ celebrated in your national anthem.
“Much more needs to be done in South Sudan to shape a nation that reflects God’s kingdom, in which the dignity of all is respected and all are reconciled (2 Corinthians 5). This may require personal sacrifice from you as leaders — Christ’s own example of leadership shows this powerfully — and today we wish you to know that we stand alongside you as you look to the future and seek to discern afresh how best to serve all the people of South Sudan.”
South Sudan celebrated its independence on 9 July 2011, after a 22-year civil war with the north (Sudan) in which more than two million people died (News, 15 July 2011). In 2013, a five-year civil war erupted after clashes between supporters of the President and his former deputy (News, 20 December 2013). Hundreds of thousands of people died, millions were displaced, and, while warring leaders held protracted peace talks, people died of hunger in what the UN described as a man-made famine.
Last week, bishops in South Sudan expressed their disappointment at the loss of direction in the country, and the “disillusionment, bitterness, and uncertainty” that had followed (News, 9 July).
In their letter, Archbishop Welby, Pope Francis, and Mr. Wallace recall the 2019 meeting of political and religious leaders from South Sudan at the Vatican (News, 12 April 2019), and pray “that those promises will shape your actions, so that it will become possible for us to visit and celebrate with you and your people in person, honoring your contributions to a nation that fulfils the hopes of 9 July 2011.
“In the meantime, we invoke upon you and all in South Sudan God’s blessings of fraternity and peace.”
{The three faith leaders also refer to their first letter, last Christmas, in which they prayed that South Sudan politicians might experience greater trust among them and be more generous to their people (News, 1 January)).
A message of hope from the South Sudan Council of Churches
Other News from Various Sources
This week’s news coverage largely focused on the 10th Anniversary of South Sudan’s independence. Below we offer links to a range of articles discussing this milestone in the nation’s history and some of the main players.
From Human Rights Watch
By Paul Aufiero and Nyagoah Tut Pur 07092021
South Sudan at a Crossroads: Challenges and Hopes 10 years after Independence
https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/
On the current leaders from AFP 07092021
| S |
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir brandishes the country’s new constitution on July 9, 2011, Roberto SCHMIDT AFP
Riek Machar has been a central figure in South Sudan’s history
Salva Kiir: The man who led South Sudan to independence then war
https://www.france24.com/en/
Riek Machar: Wily warlord with pivotal role in South Sudan’s bloody history
https://news.yahoo.com/riek-
From The Hill 07072021
By Amir Idris, opinion contributor
The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the view of The Hill
Is there hope for South Sudan after 10 years of failure?
https://thehill.com/opinion/
From The Daily Mail UK 07072021
From hope to despair: South Sudan marks 10 troubled years
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
From Foreign Policy 07072021
By Colum Lynch
Deep Dive: America’s greatest success story in Africa has degenerated into its biggest failure
Trainee soldiers for a new unified army carry wooden rifles while attending a reconciliation program run by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan at a makeshift barracks in Mapel on Jan. 31, 2020. TONY KARUMBA/AFP via Getty Images
We are deeply that grateful that contributions from you, our supporters, continue to nurture AFRECS in expanding our impact in this young and struggling nation. You make a difference in the essential peacebuilding work of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan. We hope you will consider extending your generosity with a gift in this time of hope and possibilities. You can contribute online at https://afrecs.org or send a check made out to AFRECS to P.O. Box 3327, Alexandria, VA 22302
This issue of the AFRECS E-Blast was compiled by Board member Caroline Klam and Executive Director Dane Smith.
AFRECS Editors encourage readers to submit their new for publication, the next deadline is July 20, 2021, please submit your news to Caroline Klam at klamcd21@gmail.com.