By Aguok Chok
The Episcopal Church of South Sudan’s (ECSS) Diocese of Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal State on Thursday renewed its call for justice after 17 of its pastors who were arrested and tortured by SPLA-IO forces earlier this year.
The church leaders urged newly appointed Governor Emmanuel Primo Okello to take swift action and ensure accountability for the perpetrators responsible for the brutal treatment of their clergy.
The incident occurred in September when the pastors were detained during a preaching mission in Wath-Lelo Payam, Jur River County.
Rev. Arkangelo Unango, the Archdeacon of Kuajiena Archdeaconry, recounted the harrowing ordeal, saying the 17 pastors were arrested by SPLA-IO forces, tortured, and detained under harsh conditions.
Despite the severity of the situation, there have been no reports of any legal action taken against those responsible for the abuse, the cleric said.
At an inter-religious peace engagement event in Wau, Rev. Apinyi urged Governor Okello to take a firm stand on behalf of the victims.
“To our new governor, some of our pastors were tortured, and we know those who tortured them. We know them by name and title. One day, there will be stability and peace, and wherever they are, they will come back,” he said.
“Justice delayed is justice denied, and it is not true. We will make sure we follow the right procedures to bring those responsible to account.”
The pastors emphasized the importance of peace and social coexistence, stressing that these values must be upheld to ensure a better future for everyone.
“Our government should ensure that people are safe,” he added.
Rev. Apinyi’s appeal for justice was echoed by Sam Mamuhure, the head of the UNMISS field office in the state, who also addressed the gathering.
“Justice delayed is justice denied, and everyone needs to echo the above saying.”
He urged the church and the community to pray for peace and the safety of all citizens.
Mamuhure also called for dialogue and cooperation to address the underlying issues contributing to tensions in the state.
“We need to work together to engage in dialogue and address some of the issues that might be incompatible. It is co-existence that will bring us together,” he said.
The church leaders have maintained that the perpetrators of the torture must be held accountable.
“We are keeping a record of the names of those who tortured our pastors and community members,” Rev. Apinyi declared.
The church continues to call for an immediate investigation into the incident and for the SPLA-IO forces involved to be brought to justice.
While the Diocese of Wau presses for accountability, it said the church remains committed to fostering peace and reconciliation in the region.
With the situation still unresolved, church leaders remain determined to ensure that the victims’ voices are heard, and justice is served.
The incident has highlighted the need for greater protection of religious leaders and their communities in South Sudan.