Reformed Church World Service (RCWS) is calling for prayers for peace in South Sudan. A recent resurgence of inter-ethnic violence there has left thousands dead.
Since late December, Luo-Nuer people have attacked Murle people in the towns of Lekwangole and Pibor. Local authorities report that more than 3,000 people have been killed and 120,000 displaced.
Many became separated from family members as they fled the violence; 19,000 remain missing. Homes in Lekwangole and Pibor were burned to the ground, and many cattle were stolen. Sources in South Sudan say the attacks are believed to be retaliation for a Murle attack last August in which 740 Luo-Nuer were killed. Those attacks resulted in 31,000 displaced persons and 166 orphaned children.
The latest reports indicate that Murle people are now attacking Luo-Nuer people in a cycle of retaliation.
"This is sad news coming out of the world's newest nation, South Sudan," says Derrick Jones, supervisor of RCA mission in Africa. "Please pray for peace and reconciliation efforts among the Lou-Nuer and Murle in South Sudan."
RCWS will work with the Presbyterian Church of Sudan, an RCA mission partner, to assist the displaced people with maize seed, sorghum, ground nuts, blankets, medicine, and cooking utensils. RCWS will send $10,000 to the Presbyterian Relief and Development Agency, an agency of the Presbyterian Church of Sudan.
RCA Global Mission continues to support RECONCILE, a mission partner that promotes peace-building in South Sudan by providing training in trauma healing, civic education, and conflict transformation. RECONCILE works in areas with high inter-tribal tension. New RCA missionaries Shelvis and Nancy Smith-Mather are currently raising support to join RECONCILE and help address inter-ethnic conflict.