SOUTH SUDAN: Be the First to Extend an Olive Branch, Cease Hostilities, South Sudanese Prelate Ahead of Major Events
Bishop Edward Hiiboro Kussala
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
In preparation for the celebration of Advent, Christmas, and the Centenary of faith of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio in South Sudan, the Local Ordinary has called upon the communities in the Western Equatoria State of the country to “halt hostilities” and called each person to take the first step in bringing peace.
“I am appealing to you to halt hostilities during this period of Advent, the period that we are celebrating the centenary of faith in the area where both the Balanda and Azande communities have benefited,” Bishop Edward Hiiboro Kussala highlighted in his statement dated Monday, December 2, and stressed, “Let us not wait for others to take the first step, but let each of us be the first, a true bearer of peace.”
Bishop Hiiboro’s concerns were triggered due to the recent signs of hostilities shown by the communities, and at the same time it is the region where Fr. Luke Yugue Mbokusa and Mr. Michael Gbeko, went missing in late April, and the duo were never found until the Diocese declared funeral prayers on 25th May.
“As a shepherd of Christ sent to preach the message of peace, love, compassion, and forgiveness to the world, I am begging you on my knees in the name of our Lord and Savior to stop hating and killing each other,” Bishop Hiiboro appealed while addressing all people including Christians, government officials, and all children of God to embrace peace.
He asked them to use whatever peace left in their heart to work towards cultivating peace and unconditional love within and between the two communities.
Giving reference to the pastoral letter he had released for the Advent season the Bishop said, “I invited you to make it a time of renewal, reconstruction, rebuilding, and revival. Let it be a time when we pray, pray, and pray for the grace of a right mind and a renewed spirit,” and at the same time, “Let it be a time when we come together in peace and healing, offering forgiveness where there has been hurt and extending a hand of reconciliation to all.”
According to the South Sudanese Prelate, “There is the spirit of evil hovering over Tombura,” No wonder the people purpose to hate and kill each other.
“Only Jesus can bring the peace we need. So, whatever hate we have toward others, the hate is not from God. It is from the devil,” he narrated and continued, “We need to welcome Jesus in our hearts while on our knees alone in our rooms, tents, or under the trees.” Since “Jesus already defeated Satan on the Cross he can do the same and defeat Satan in our hearts if we allow him in within this Advent period.”
The celebration of 100 years of faith in Tombura from 5th to 9th December, is an event that will mark the end of the year of Centenary and reminds the people of Tombura of those who had sacrificed their lives to bring Christ to them.
The Bishop further warned the people of Western Equatoria State that violence only breeds violence and peace requires harmony.
“I know that many of us believe that only violence can bring peace. But, peace cannot be achieved through violence. Ethnic conflict can be stopped only by peaceful means,” he said and pointed out” We will only have the peace our communities need through dialogue and understanding. No community can achieve peace by encouraging more violence. Thus, peace will come only when both sides are ready to resolve the current conflict without violence. “
He concluded, “Jesus is asking to come into our hearts to clean them of the spirit of violence and then replace it with the spirit of unconditional love, compassion, forgiveness, and reconciliation.”
