5 June 2023
On behalf of Central Equatoria Internal Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, I condemn in the strongest terms, the ambush and consequent kidnapping of Bishop Amosa Data Elinoma of the Episcopal Diocese of Morobo and his driver – which happened this morning near Morobo at around 10.00 am [CAT, 8.00 am GMT].
We have reliably learnt that this barbaric inhuman act was done by National Salvation Front NAS soldiers. We appeal to the leadership of National Salvation Army to instruct their soldiers to stop harassing servants of God and civilians.
The Rt Revd Amosa Data’s car was stopped at gun point and kidnapped alongside his driver today a few kilometers from Morobo at around 10:00 am while he was travelling from Koboko to Morobo Diocese to chair a Diocesan Council meeting.
The bishop and his driver were ordered to drive the car 100 meters from the main road into the bush - where they joined boda boda riders who had been kidnapped earlier. They were ordered to sit down from where they helplessly saw their bags looted. The bishop’s bag had two cellphones, his cross, Bible, prayer book, clerical robe, stamp and church document, including a printed report that he had prepared to present at the diocesan council meeting.
While some soldiers were looting the bishop’s car as well as the boda riders property , their other colleagues who were guarding the bishop categorically informed him that they are National Salvation Front soldiers and that they are targeting the church leaders because the church supports of the government.
The soldiers only stopped the barbaric act after realizing that a suspicious boba boda rider who was riding from Morobo turned back. They feared that the rider might have gone to report the matter. The Bishop saw them pour petrol on his car and torch it to ashes before they disappeared into the bushes
In conclusion, we passionately call on all armed groups in South Sudan to give peace a chance by utilizing mediation and other forms of negotiations to settle political disputes.
My the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ Prevail always – Amen
ENDS
Speaking from Madagascar, where he has been attending the provincial synod of the Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean, the Primate of South Sudan, Archbishop Justin Badi Arama, reiterated his calls for peace and an end to the attacks on civilians and innocent people. He called on all those who have taken up arms “to end the cycle of violence and negotiate peace.” And he reminded the peace partners in government of the need to implement all aspects of the revitalised peace agreement.
The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Bishop Anthony Poggo, formerly the Bishop of Kajo-Keji in South Sudan, is also in Madagascar. He said: “it is very sad to receive news of the attack on the Bishop of Morobo. I call on those who continue to attack innocent travellers on the roads in South Sudan to respect the sanctity of human life and destruction of property.
“May all those who have taken up arms come to the negotiating table. Please pray for peace in South Sudan as well as an end to the ongoing conflict in Sudan.”
ENDS