South Sudanese Bishop asks for prayers and offers proposals for stability

(Vatican Radio) South Sudanese Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala asks for prayers and solidarity as the people of his nation suffer ongoing violence and instability.

listen to the report by Linda Bordoni...

In a press release Bishop Hiiboro says he gathered together with religious, priests and lay faithful of the Diocese Tombura-Yambio in Western Equatoria State, for three days to pray and reflect on the current situation in South Sudan.

He says the people of South Sudan bear witness to the deteriorating security situation of our New Nation with continuous anguish and dismay.


And commenting on peace talks taking place in Ethiopia, Hiiboro says “we want to inform the government and the opposition forces that the people in the ten states that constitute the Republic of South Sudan want this noble initiative to continue. As we know from experience in our history - only dialogue can take the peace process forward”.

Bishop Hiiboro also expresses appreciation that the government and opposition forces have reiterated their commitment “to come to the table of dialogue, to strengthen the mechanisms for resolving the dispute at hand, to minimize violations and agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities”.

He expresses concern for the recent and ongoing “targeting of civilians and for the excessive abuse of power which bring huge human rights violations of loss of lives on both sides as well as to other nationalities”.

And he calls for independent investigations that must be conducted into these reported human rights violations “so that the truth so that justice may prevail”.

Hiiboro points out that “Posterity will be the judge of our courage and patriotism not from the revenge we wreak but from the peace we win in these troubling times and from the progress resulting from such peace. A prosperous and well-connected South Sudan is our brave response to these divisive factions”.


And inviting all to keep alive the hope of peace and to pray for peace, he expresses “closeness in prayer and solidarity with all the victims of this conflict, with all those who continue to suffer, especially innocent children who so much deserve the love of this new nation”.

Bishop Hiiboro goes further asking that along with prayer, “fasting should accompany the intention for peace whenever possible by all of us in South Sudan in solidarity with our people who cannot access humanitarian assistance. Peace is the intentional determination, commitment and subsequent effort to create an environment where all men and women, regardless of their differences, can live together or near one another in genuine harmony, mutual respect and unconditional charity”.

In the light of the above, he indicates the following 10 points for stability of the situation.

1. All Churches and other Faiths must engage in a very serious prayer exercise for peace! We need fasting for peace. Guidelines for such an important fasting – include one principal meal with two smaller meals if needed; water throughout the day. Fasting only applies to those between the ages of 14 and 59. For Catholics, Prayers for the preservation of peace and justice will be recited during morning Masses, Eucharistic Holy Hour and the recitation of the Rosary.

2. We know that the humanitarian situation in three or four of our states has been aggravated. Let us use this time to mobilize what resources that we can for these needy areas. We urge and encourage our faithful and all men and women of good will to support the exercise of fasting for peace to the needy by bringing nonperishable food to Mass for food banks and food pantries.

3. The remaining (about) 6 states which are in a relative peace are encouraged wake up on wings of prayers; undertake activities which work towards SOLUTIONS - not to add to the fire. Let us not be passive spectator’s peace states. Those ethnic groups who feel they are aloof must be part of solution in adding for peace. Too much silence from the side of the government is very risky to dispel rumours.

4. To our President Salve Kirri – we appeal and urge to show an overwhelming readiness of forgiveness and pardon. That is power that is leadership. Please choose peace and your citizens will survive!

5. To Dr. Riek Machar – we appeal and urge for forgiveness and pardon, please halt and take courage to renounce violence. Itself that is power that is leadership.

6. To the soldiers and all types of fighting forces - we are talking to your conscience and true character of soldiers to value life in defense.

7. To the politicians - stop playing ethnic politics and war of words

8. To the media, politicians, and other public figures - show restraint and not create or add to a war that has the potential to derail the peace stability in this young nation.

9. To the government and opposition forces - stay the course and continue with the desire for peace and bringing an end to this violence. These steps have the potential to contribute to quick establishing peace, economic stability and wide rehabilitation support for internal displaced persons.

10. To the international community – we welcome your support and urge sensitivity to our complex problems we caution and appeal to be more sensitive to this tragic situation and make every effort to help the beloved Baby nation find a solution to a war that sows destruction and death.

Bishop Hiiboro Kussala concludes his reflection reminding the children of South Sudan that “God alone is the author of life and the source of peace in our world, in our neighborhoods and in our hearts. Without God, true and lasting peace is not possible. In this times when violence and destruction --- so contrary to God's will for all his children --- seem to prevail, God listens to their anguished cries. Prayer is the lifting of the mind and heart and soul to God. Where and when peace is threatened anywhere in our family or nation, prayer for peace must be our response as Catholics”.