SOUTH SUDAN: Church Leaders Appeal for Stability and Peace After Removal of Former Governor

Ginaba Lino

Interfaith Council for Peace Initiatives of Western Equatoria State is calling for calm and as violence escalated after the removal of the Governor Gen. Alfred Futuyo Karaba in a presidential decree which led to his disappearance.

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio Rt. Rev. Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala who is also the Chairman of Inter-Faith Council for Peace Initiatives in Western Equatoria State said, “From January through February 2025, the State of Western Equatoria has been plagued by instability and violence, leading to the tragic loss of many lives and the destruction of property.”

In his statement date February 13, Bishop Hiiboro said, the ongoing turmoil is not only a setback for us as a State but also deeply painful for the peaceful citizens of Western Equatoria who yearn for a future of harmony.

“The situation has been further exacerbated by the removal of former Governor Alfred Futuyo from power and his subsequent disappearance, sparking new waves of violence between the SSPDF and the SPLM IO,” said Bishop Eduardo, adding, the situation has left the local population in a state of confusion and fear.

“On behalf of the faith groups and, specifically, the members of the Interfaith Council for Peace Initiatives, I call upon all of you to stop the fighting. Let us come together to restore calm and stability in our state. The future of our people depends on it.”

The Bishop also expressed concern over the ongoing violence in Eastern South Sudan where clashes between farmers and cattle owners continue to claim innocent lives, urging both farmers and cattle owners to stop the killing, lay down your arms, and embrace dialogue.

“I urge you all to stop the killing, to lay down your arms, and embrace dialogue. Our future lies in peace and understanding, not in conflict and division.”

He stated, “As we have just celebrated the beautiful feast of Christmas and the dawn of the New Year 2025, we all prayed for peace and wished for the healing of our beloved, yet long-suffering, nation of South Sudan.

Bishop Hiiboro reminds the People of South Sudan of the message of Pope Francis, during his historic visit to South Sudan, that “peace is not just the absence of war, but the work of justice.”

Pope Francis also called on South Sudanese to be agents of peace, showing that each of us plays a vital role in the restoration of peace.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” The local Ordinary of Tombura-Yambio quoted the Bible Matthew 5:9, and in Romans 12:18, we are encouraged, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Let these words guide us in our actions.