SOUTH SUDAN: Bishop of Tombura-Yambio Appeals for Humanitarian Aid for Victims of Violence

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

Following the recent violent attacks in several parts of South Sudan’s Western Equatorial State that led thousands to flee from their homes, the bishop of Tombura-Yambio Rt. Rev. Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, a Catholic Diocese situated within the affected region has appealed for humanitarian assistance and urged institutions within the Diocese to start resource mobilization so as to save lives of the victims.

In a statement shared with AMECEA Online, Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala expressed his deep concern for the wellbeing of thousands of children and adults specifically in Tombura County and Source-Yubu (Rii-Yubu) Payam, where the “crisis is likely to lead to higher rates of malnutrition, outbreak of diseases and even deaths of the vulnerable due to poor living conditions.”

In his appeal letter addressed to the faithful of the Diocese and people of goodwill the Prelate said the conflict has affected a great number of people while “many have lost their lives, others have been displaced and live in a very bad situation of lack of shelter, food, water and many others.”

He disclosed that the violence erupted between Saturday 19 and Tuesday 22 during the run-up to full establishment of the National Government in the country aimed to ensure full peace building environment where “several dissatisfied or unruly armed people emerged violently shooting and killing people, looting and burning their properties, forcing at least over 21,000 people almost half of whom are children – to flee their homes.”

According to the Church leaders, the “situation remains volatile in many parts of the county, as there is no obvious pronouncement for the people by their government.”

Bishop Hiiboro noted that the” new wave of violence and displacement is increasing humanitarian needs at a time when the South Sudanese people are already dealing with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and years of conflict and insecurity.”

Besides, “For the most vulnerable children and women, fighting is a direct threat to their lives and is likely to lead to an increase in the incidence of malnutrition among children and gross violations of their rights, such as recruitment or killing.”

He further asked the diocesan institutions in his letter dated Thursday, June 24, to come up with resource mobilization mechanisms saying, “I call upon all the 35 parishes, institutions including the various Ministries and Departmental Offices of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio to start resource mobilizations of all kinds: money, food, cloths, beds, tents, tools (NFIS) among others to help our needy brothers and sisters in Tombura County.”

He further directed that 70% of the Sunday collections for 27th June from all parishes be used to support the victims and a general resource mobilization of all types be conducted following Sunday July 4.

Tasking the Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CODEP), a social wing of the Diocese meant to promote socio-economic development and peace with the responsibility of mobilization and administration of resources and donations that will be collected, Bishop Hiiboro said “The CODEP parish offices will have to cooperate and help out by facilitating this process.”

“I call for correct records and documentations to be highly considered for later reporting,” the Prelate underscored in his Thursday letter adding that, “The Risk and Disaster Management Body in CODEP office is mandated to monitor, facilitate and administer this particular appeal to the full, as we expect.”

Additionally, the bishop highlighted that even though South Sudan has so far registered a relatively low number of COVID-19 cases, “the broader impact of the epidemic has been severe and the pandemic has also resulted in the closure and disruption of services for forcibly displaced children and victims of violence.”

He disclosed that “children, women and elderly are bearing the brunt of this crisis; having their education disrupted, being exposed to violence, separated from their families, looted, abused, or killed or even being recruited into armed groups. “

“I am calling on all parties to ensure that civilians, especially children and women, are protected and kept out of harm’s way, in line with our Christian convictions and international human rights and humanitarian law,” he said.

He concluded by urging “all the Christian communities, parishes, Institutions and Departments, people of good will to practice charity, live in solidarity with one another, carry the burden of one another and join hands together to rescue our brethren at this difficulty hour (and) pray more for enlightenment and support.”