Christian and Muslim religious leaders call for an end to the armed conflict in the Nuba Mountains

Amsterdam: September 24, 2026: Radio Dabanga - The New Sudan Council of Churches and the Islamic Council of the Nuba Mountains issued a joint statement on September 23, 2026, following consultations held at the Aida refugee camp for Nuba Mountains refugees in the Ruweng Administrative Area, South Sudan, from September 21 to 23, 2026. The statement included an urgent call to end the armed conflict in the Nuba Mountains and to build peace and reconciliation. Bishop Al-Asar Kuku spoke during the workshop, confirming the consensus of Christian and Muslim religious leaders under the theme 'One Community, One People, United for Peace and Reconciliation' to discuss the ongoing conflict in the Nuba Mountains region and its devastating effects. They expressed their profound sadness and concern regarding the suffering caused by the conflict, which began on March 12, 2026, and extended to cover the entire Heiban County. In his remarks, Kuku noted that the conflict has caused loss of life, destruction of property and livelihoods, the displacement of thousands, the spread of fear and psychological trauma, and the weakening of relations between the conflicting parties. He called on all parties to the conflict to cease armed violence and hate speech, exercise maximum restraint, give dialogue a real chance, and prioritize the lives, dignity, security, and future of the people over political, military, or tribal interests. Kuku also welcomed the ceasefire announced by the Transitional Government and the leader of the SPLM-N, encouraging everyone to respect and support these efforts, emphasizing that dialogue is the most constructive path to addressing grievances, restoring trust, and finding lasting solutions. Eight Appeals: He explained that the religious leaders' statement included eight key appeals: ending violence and hostilities, conducting serious and comprehensive dialogue, achieving justice and forgiveness, promoting community reconciliation and recovery, building trust, providing humanitarian assistance, addressing the root causes of the conflict, and protecting civilians and upholding human dignity. Kuku affirmed that the religious leaders expressed their commitment to peace, reconciliation, justice, tolerance, coexistence, and the dignity of every human being, guided by Christian and Islamic traditions. They also urged all conflicting communities to remain calm, exercise restraint, and avoid actions and statements that could fuel tensions. While reading the closing statement of the workshop, Kuku appealed to traditional leaders, women, youth, civil society, political leaders, and all the people of the Nuba Mountains to be active advocates for peace, calling on the people to choose dialogue over violence, reconciliation over hatred, forgiveness over revenge, and coexistence over division. Kuku also issued an appeal to the local, regional, and international community to support peace efforts, provide humanitarian assistance, promote reconciliation and confidence-building, and support initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict.