By Philip Basa

The archbishop and primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, Dr. Justin Badi Arama has accepted an apology from the Central Equatoria State regarding the recent incident at St Stephen parish.

On Thursday, a group of Christians was attacked by an angry mob as they attempted to protect their church from being demarcated to individuals by the State authorities.

“Yesterday in the evening the government of Central Equatoria State came to express their apology and assured the church that they are going to suspend all the activities on the land,” Dr. Badi said.

However, he said the situation was serious as it was reported on social media, saying except two of his priests were thrown stones at by the mob.

“I came to the governor for the second time, but could not manage to meet him and decided to go and pray at the scene when the priest and the ladies reached the church compound at St. Stephen parish, the local youth were mobilized by those who had received the applause to throw stones on the priests and the church workers,” Archbishop Badi said.

He said situation was contained by the police before it escalated further.

The church have declared a one-month of prayers at the Church that started on Thursday.

“The land of the church is a big portion of land, which was given when there were no bigger population in that area there were only 21 home states who were there, and the government, relocated them and gave them a piece of land somewhere else,” he explained.

The clergy said later during the recent South Sudan’s conflict, some people who were displaced came and settled in and raised some complaints, which he said the issued has been ruled in favour of the church t

“The court has ruled three times in favor of the church the case is in the court, just waiting for eviction,” the primate added.

On Thursday, Lupai Satimon Andrew, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, issued a formal apology to St. Stephen’s Church on behalf of the State government following the clashes between community members and churchgoers.

Satimon reaffirmed the state’s commitment to safeguarding religious institutions and ensuring the safety of all worshippers.

The government said there is more security measures being taken to prevent further tensions and ensure peace within the area.

The Cabinet Minister expressed deep regret over the incident and emphasized the State government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all religious institution in South Sudan.

“We has a government we have a full responsibility of our communities including church for worshiper

“I would like to extend my sincere and apologies on behalf of Central Equatoria State government to St. Stephen’s Church for the unfortunate events that transpired,” Satimon said.

 “We urged all the community not to incite violence. We are deeply committed to maintaining peace and security, and ensuring that places of worship remain safe spaces for all members of the community.”