South Sudanese bishop: All people can be ‘bridges of healing and peace'

By Kielce Gussie

South Sudan’s state of Western Equatoria used to be referred to as “the Bread Basket of South Sudan, but also as a Basket of Peaceful Coexistence, the green heart of South Sudan, the garden of hospitality, the homeland of dialogue, the land of hard work, the shrine of human dignity,” according to the Bishop of Tombura Yambio County in South Sudan, Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala. 

But years of violence, political instability, economic hardships, mistrust, and displacement have "wounded our social fabric" he lamented in an address to authorities, religious leaders, and the entire population.

According to the Vatican’s Fides news agency, the Western Equatoria state has faced numerous attacks from the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and experienced various conflicts throughout the years. Yet, the bishop highlighted that one truth became very clear through “all these painful years.” “Violence did not heal our communities. Hatred did not restore trust. Revenge did not create peace,” he explained.

Life is a gift from God

True peace, Bishop Hiiboro said, comes through dialogue. For this reason, he made an appeal: “Let us revive the culture of respectful conversation, reconciliation, and unity. Let leaders speak honestly to communities.”

This bishop urged authorities of all levels and positions—chiefs, churches, youth, women, intellectuals, civil society, and families—to become “bridges of healing and peace.” Moreover, he stressed the importance of safeguarding the sacredness of human life as “life is a gift from God.”

The dangers of media

In his message, Bishop Hiiboro pointed out how inappropriate use of media can be harmful. “Today, one careless message can destroy relationships built over generations,” he warned. “Words are powerful” as they can build up, tear down, unite or divide.

Moreover, he noted that society is formed and built upon “what its people continually plant through words, attitudes, and actions.” That is why, the Bishop stressed the need to use a language that is unifying, respectful, wise, encouraging, and responsible. With this in mind, he invited everyone to return to prayer, looking especially to the Prince of Peace.

Peace, the Bishop of Tombura Yambio explained, “changes attitudes, heals memories, softens bitterness, and renews communities.”

A call to all peoples for peace

Bishop Hiiboro has long been dedicated to cultivating dialogue and preserving human rights in this Western Equatoria state of South Sudan. Concluding his message, he urged everyone to turn to unity rather than division: “To political leaders: leadership is service, not division. To the youth: use your energy and intelligence to build the future through education, agriculture, innovation, entrepreneurship, and peacebuilding.”

Speaking to women, the Bishop encouraged them in their mission as “guardians of life, healing, and reconciliation.” Traditional leaders, he urged, must recover the wisdom found in dialogue, patience, and moral leadership. The bishop called on his fellow church leaders to persevere in defending truth, justice, peace, and unity without fear or tribalism.

Closing, Bishop Hiiboro issued a final appeal to “our people: let us work together to return Western Equatoria to total peace, development, and prosperity so that our state may make a bold contribution to the unity and future of South Sudan.”