Military activity persists in South Sudan, despite repeated attempts at peace agreements and ceasefires. Decades of conflict among government forces and opposition factions, spillover from the civil war in neighboring Sudan , and the negative effects of climate change have combined to cause one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.
It is in the depths of this unmitigated hardship that Rt. Rev. Joseph Aba Nicanor from the Episcopal Diocese of Liwolo has issued a plea for humanitarian aid. Dated 22 July 2026, the heartfelt plea, is addressed to the governments of the Republic of South Sudan and the Republic of Uganda; the Africa Union (AU); IGAD; the United Nations (UN); Diplomatic Missions; Humanitarian Partners; Ecumenical and Faith-Based Organisations and all People of Goodwill.
“I write with profound sorrow and deep pastoral concern regarding the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian and security situation along the South Sudan–Uganda border in Liwolo Payam, Kajokeji County, Central Equatoria State,” begins the Bishop. “As a shepherd entrusted with the spiritual and physical well-being of thousands of people, I respectfully appeal for your urgent attention and intervention to protect innocent civilian lives, preserve peace, uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of South Sudan, and prevent further deterioration of relations between the two neighbouring nations whose peoples have lived together peacefully for generations.”
This is not only a political or military matter. It is fundamentally a humanitarian crisis affecting innocent families who desire nothing more than to live in peace, cultivate their land, educate their children, worship freely, and build a better future.
Recounting one of the latest incidences of militia activity, Bishop Nicanor writes that on 15 July 2026, armed hostilities reportedly occurred between the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) at the Andejo border garrison in Keriwa Boma, Liwolo Payam. Continued insecurity in South Sudan has led to civilian casualties, the destruction of homes and livelihoods, widespread fear, and the displacement of more than 15,000 civilians. The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) continues to increase daily as families flee ongoing insecurity in search of safety and humanitarian assistance.
According to the Global Data Institute’s Displacement Tracking Matrix, conflict and instability in South Sudan have resulted in large-scale internal and cross-border displacement since the December 2013 crisis of over 4 million individuals. Those most affected are women, children, older persons, persons living with disabilities, and other vulnerable members of the community who have fled their homes with little or no belongings.
“These facilities were never designed to accommodate such large numbers of displaced people” notes the cleric. “Many families are sleeping in open spaces and under trees without adequate shelter, food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, medicines, or essential healthcare services. Without immediate humanitarian assistance, the risk of disease outbreaks, malnutrition, preventable deaths, and long-term suffering will increase significantly.”
Referencing Proverbs 24:11 which says “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter,” the Bishop highlighted how history reminds us that delayed action during emerging crises often results to avoidable human suffering. The letter concluded with a final plea to respond with wisdom, compassion, courage, and commitment to justice and peace.
