SOUTH SUDAN: Late Dr. John Garang’s Vision Needs to be Implemented, Says Bishop of Yei

Ginaba Lino

The Bishop of Yei Catholic Diocese on September 20, 2022, has regretted that the leaders of South Sudan have not implement Dr. John Garang’s vision of take the city to the villages.

The Bishop recalls late Dr. John Garang de Mabior fighting for freedom so that services can reach the citizens in rural areas.

“Some years back our president Dr. John Garang said that SPLM went to fight for freedom; and if that freedom comes, we want this city to be taken to the villages meaning, those services should not remain only in the city. But now where are those things?”

Bishop Alex Lodiong Sakor Eyobo adds, “I think all those things have remained in the city and leaders are there seated, having nice houses, in the office having Air Conditioners, having nice cars moving without caring about dust.”

Rt. Rev. Lodiong lordship stated that service provision to the citizens in South Sudan should be the first priority to be implement by the leaders calling on all the parties to work for the common good of the citizens to gain their trust.

According to the Prelate, lack of service provision is the root cause of conflict in the country.

“To any politician, if you want to be someone who will be loved by the citizens, bring services to the people, not power. Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in opposition (I.O) party, if you want to be loved by the citizens of South Sudan, bring services. If you are South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) you want to be loved by the citizens, bring the services. Or you are South Sudan people’s liberation movement in government and you want to be loved by the people of South Sudan, bring them services. If not all the citizens will continue running away.”

The prelate has been moving with pastoral courtesy to some neighboring Countries of South Sudan like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda meeting with South Sudanese Refugees who left the Country due to 2013-2016 conflict in South Sudan.

Some South Sudanese Refugees had a chance to receive sacraments through the courtesy visit of the Bishop since they have limited access to some sacraments at the settlements.

Bishop Lodiong urged refugees to have hope and pray for peace to prevail in South Sudan so they can once again get back home.