Pope Francis on Sunday made an appeal to South Sudanese politicians to overcome their divisions and come together for a peace deal to bring a definitive end to conflicts to the African nation, reported BBC.
‘‘The South Sudanese people have suffered too much in recent years and await with great hope a better future, especially the definitive end of conflicts and lasting peace,” the Pope said while addressing people at the St. Peter’s Square on Sunday. “I, therefore, urge the leaders to continue, without getting tired, their commitment to an inclusive dialogue in the search for consensus, for the good of the nation.”
Back in April, Pope Francis hosted the two rivals President Salva Kiir and former rebel leader Riek Machar in the Vatican in April. He even knelt to kiss their feet as he urged them not to return to civil war.
South Sudan plunged into civil war soon after getting independence from Sudan in 2011. President Kiir had accused his Vice-President Machar of orchestrating a coup against him. Up to 400,000 people have been killed and more than 4 million displaced in the conflict. The two leaders finally signed a peace deal in September 2018.
But, on Thursday the two leaders agreed to postpone forming a coalition government for 100 days, until February next year, to resolve security and governance issues. It is the second time the deadline for the formation of the unity government has been pushed back. The rival parties had agreed to join forces in a coalition government by November 12, 2019.
The Pope also announced plans to visit South Sudan.
“I direct special thoughts to the dear people of South Sudan, which I must visit this year,” Francis said.
While he didn’t give details of his travel plans, he indicated that by this year he meant the upcoming year, 2020.
