SOUTH SUDAN: Bishop of Tombura Yambio Diocese Appeals for Solidarity with People Affected by Wildfire in Western Equatoria State

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

Against the backdrop of wildfire that has been ravaging most parts of Western Equatoria State in South Sudan during the dry season of March causing “huge loss of life, harm to individuals, and destructions to properties and the environment,” South Sudanese Prelate has expressed solidarity with the people of God calling on citizens to take preventive measures and stop further devastations.

In a statement published Tuesday, March 16, Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala said, “I come in this time to send you my greetings and express my heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the people who have been affected by the wildfire.”

“It has caused a lot of grief, confusion, and pain within our communities. My condolences on all those who have tragically died as a result of the fires and my heart goes to their families, their loved ones, and to the entire community that this has actually happened to us and it is a disaster,” Bishop Hiiboro of South Sudan’s Tombura Yambio Diocese expresses his solidarity.

In his statement, the Prelate narrates that it is not the first time Western Equatoria State is experiencing the effect of wildfire during dry season but what differs is the “magnitudes of the destructions.”

Thus he said, “I am not here to lay blames on anybody. Rather, as we regret the loss of life, we pray for those who have passed on. We also pray for the strength, courage, hope, and healing for those who are grieving the loss as well as for those who have been physically harmed by the fire.”

The Church leader asks for God’s intervention to help the people of Western Equatoria State handle the situation with “intelligence, the right mind and attitude so that all can feel responsible when difficulties of this nature come in our midst.”

With the realization that the dry season is still on and wildfire devastations can be realized any time, bishop Hiiboro said, “Let us take necessary precautions in order to prevent any possible causes of the fire that can spread into the forests and plantations.”

He further appeals to the people to take responsibility and safeguard the communities from any fire outbreaks and the resulting tragedies, “We must also make sure that we do not leave a fire in open places at night where it can possibly be blown by the wind and spread; we need to put off any fire used in the open when we are done with our cooking or burning of rubbish.”

According to the Bishop, there is need of creating awareness on the effects of wildfire on environment.

“We need to inform ourselves that the environment belongs to all of us and burning it is not right and can result in calamities that may affect all of us including those who accidentally or intentionally start such fires.

Destroying the environment is not only dangerous to the individuals who instigate the destruction but to the entire community that depends on that particular environment. We, have to educate ourselves on how to change this mentality of destroying the environment at will, especially with regards to burning bushes and forests,” the Bishop cautions.

In relation to frequent wildfire attacks, Bishop Hiiboro has called on leaders in various positions to “raise up a campaign against causing wildfire out of negligence and carelessness.”

The Church leader has further called on well-wishers for solidarity, support, and care to those who have been affected.

“Let our hearts be touched so that those among us who are able to do something may run to the rescue and support those who have been affected,” he appeals.

“Let us take this opportunity of the Lent period to learn to change our habits and ways of doing things for the safety and wellbeing of our communities,” the Prelate said.