Catholic Bishops Statement On Referendum

23 July 2010 - (Juba) – The Sudan Catholic Bishops have urged southern Sudanese to choose a life of freedom with justice and equal rights for all during the forthcoming referendum.

All the Bishops from all the states in Sudan gathered for an extraordinary plenary meeting in Juba to deliberate on the current situation in the country and delivered their message of hope.

The President of Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Rudolf Deng Majak told the press on Thursday in Juba that there are still worrying signs in Sudan that discourages integration of the north and the south.

[Rudolf Deng Majak]: “This is a historic moment, and it is a moment of change. The Sudan is a multi-cultural, multi-lingual, multi-ethnic and a multi-religious society, but, in practice, one entity still dominates and imposes itself on others in an oppressive manner at every level. War continuous in Darfur, Islam continues to be the source of legislation in the North which affects the rights of all, particularly non-Muslims. If unity is an option, it must be a unity embracing all in a just free and open society where the human dignity of every citizen is safeguarded and respected. But all the indications are that unity has not been made attractive to the people of southern Sudan. The leadership of the Sudan and the political establishment bares a great responsibility for this tragic situation.”

The Bishops further raised questions that needs to be tackled incase of secession by the government of southern Sudan.

Rudolf Majak said that the government of southern Sudan needs to create a conducive environment that promotes the rule of law incase the country is divided.

[Rudolf Deng Majak]: “If secession is chosen, what are the challenges that will face the people of both the north and the south? Weak governance in the south gives rise to corruption, nepotism, lack of respect for human rights and power struggle, and division amongst people are being exploited by some elements. Violence still afflicts many parts of southern Sudan, incursions by the Lord’s Resistance Army continues, many people still suffer from food insecurity and lack of basic services. How will good governance and the rule of law be assured? Secession can be chosen by a simple majority of fifty percent plus one of votes cast, however, if fewer than sixty percent cast their votes, the status quo unity continues. We fear that this voter turn-out condition may lead to confusion and manipulation. We remain deeply concerned.”

The Catholic clergy called on the two signatories to the CPA to conduct the referenda of the south and the Abyei in a peaceful and transparent manner.