Catholic Bishop says South Sudan ready to face challenges
South Sudan became the world’s newest nation on Saturday, when it officially became
independent of the Khartoum government. The event is the culmination of a 2005 peace
deal that ended more than two decades of civil war between Sudan's Arab-dominated
north and mainly Christian and animist south.
“I look with hope [to the
future],” says Bishop Paride Taban, Bishop-emeritus of the southern Diocese of Torit.
“First of all I also thank God for giving this country to Africa. People may look
at the poverty at the structure of the people, the illiteracy. I look at their faith
and their strength.”
He says he never doubted his country would some day
be free.
“I think all the world, including African countries, were afraid,”
he said. “Will these people succeed? Are they crazy to go against the strong countries
of the Arab world? I say they are not crazy: they are people of hope.”
Despite
the challenges South Sudan faces, Bishop Taban says his people have what it takes
to overcome any obstacles.
“This is the strongest country of Africa, both in
faith and in determination.”