SOUTH SUDAN: Bishop Kussala Appeals for Completion of Formation of Government of National Unity
Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, South Sudan
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
A Catholic Bishop in South Sudan has disclosed that completion of the formation of unity government which works for the good of the people will delight the South Sudanese citizens, just like any other nation.
In a statement released last week, Bishop Barani Edwardo Hiiboro Kussala of Tombura-Yambio Diocese urged the government of South Sudan to “speed up the process of formation of a government of national unity” so that its citizen can be “comfortable” and proud.
“It will be the pride of the nation like all other countries to have a national army who are working in unity for the protection of the nation and all the people of the Republic of South Sudan,” the Prelate highlighted.
He decries that further delay in completing the formation of a government of national unity “according to the peace agreement” seem to be “very slow” and this will result into “a lot of repercussions.”
According to Bishop Hiiboro Kussala, “People are not psychologically comfortable because their government is not complete and many things are still hanging.” At the same time, “the services that the country is supposed to provide to its citizens are currently not moving.”
Citing services which need government’s attention the Prelate says, “The humanitarian situation in many areas is quite deplorable and, aggravated by the rainy season, roads are impassable and most essential commodities are not reaching citizens in many parts of the country.”
He adds, “The rate of crime is very high in the country while in different places, there is sporadic violence which often leads to loss of life and property as well as causing fear among the populace.”
“Donors are getting tired of taking care of refugees in the settlements outside the country as well as those in the displacement camps” within the country who are over two million people. A situation which he explains “has been aggravated by the coronavirus pandemic,” Bishop Hiiboro observed.
The Bishop has urged government to complete the formation of unity government especially “the reorganization of the army which is very crucial.”
“We cannot continue having a country with so many commanders-in-chief which is what the country currently has,” the Local Ordinary of Tombura-Yambio Diocese warned.
He appealed further to regional governments to encourage the president and parties involved in the formation of unity government to hasten the process of the implementation of the peace agreement.
To the international community Bishop Hiiboro appeals, “Do not to get tired or give up on the people of South Sudan. Hold on and to walk with South Sudan throughout the process.”
