SOUTH SUDAN: “Thirst For Peace More Than Ever,” Bishop says

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

The need for peace in South Sudan was the fundamental highlight in the Easter message of Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala who emphasized that after the establishment of the Transitional Government of National Unity early this year, the country should experience the peace they have craved for over years.

“Jesus’ first words to his Apostles after his resurrection were ‘Peace be with you’.” This is the message which should take root in our nation which is thirsty for peace more than ever,” the Bishop of Tombura-Yambio Diocese said.

He acknowledged the progress taken by the South Sudanese government to appoint national ministers but described the incomplete formation of the government as delay to the advancement saying, “I appreciate the formation of the presidency and appointment of the national ministers. However, incomplete formation of government has halted progress and left people in suspense since everything seems to be at a standstill.”

“Coupled with this is the fact that, just as we were combining efforts to put in place a government of national unity, the pandemic of Coronavirus came up,” the Bishop said, making clarifications on the cause of delay to complete the formation of government of national unity and added, “We have now at hand a bigger enemy which threatens us all. That being the case, we cannot afford any further hostility.”

Recalling the objective of the nation in the past years during the struggle for independence to make South Sudan a home for all its natives, the Prelate said, “During years of struggle for independence and political freedoms, the country crafted a noble goal, namely the justice, liberty and prosperity for South Sudan.”

“Let us all work towards making this ideal a reality for every South Sudanese, for we have no other country but South Sudan where we ought to live and achieve the full potential of human aspirations,” the Bishop highlighted in the statement dated Saturday, April 11 and continued, “We all must learn to live as brothers, sisters and friends because that is what we are.”

He further outlined recommendations which would be helpful to the leadership in bringing peace in the country.

“I recommend a speedy dialogue to find solutions to the remaining issues so as to give South Sudan and its citizenry true peace so that so many of our compatriots held up in suffering and exile enjoy the ideals for which our nation exists,” reads an excerpt of the bishops’ Easter message and adds, “I therefore appeal, we make peace a priority so that refugees, women and children return home.”

He urged those in government leadership “to make painful compromises to complete the formation of government in view of promoting the common good of all.” In relation to this he added, “There should be deliberate effort to combat further escalation of conflict which we cannot afford.”

Advising the government to fill the vacancies in its leadership the Prelate said, “State governments are vacant. This vacuum needs to be urgently filled to provide leadership at State level. It cannot be over-emphasized that levels of government at national and State assume responsibility for the welfare of the people in terms of social and material support.”

“I therefore appeal to the government to prepose some funds and establish health facilities in all States to assist them in fighting COVID-19,” Bishop Hiiboro recommended following the Coronavirus pandemic which is currently ravaging the world.

He appreciated the work that has been done by the international community of Peace and COVID-19, asking them to continue supporting the government in fighting the pandemic.

In his message themed “My Lord and my God,” Bishop Hiiboro has expressed gratitude to “all national health professionals who are making huge sacrifices by providing the needed care and treatment to those affected ‘even at the risk of their life’.”