The Catholic Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, Rt. Rev. Dr. Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala has issued a strong appeal to warring factions in Western Equatoria State, urging them to embrace dialogue and stop sacrificing innocent lives in the ongoing violence.
Delivering his sermon on Sunday at St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral in Yambio, Bishop Hiiboro condemned the killings in Tombura County and other counties, saying that the bloodshed has robbed families of peace and left communities desperate for answers.
“We cannot continue to bury our mothers, our children, and our elderly while leaders remain silent in the shadows,” the bishop said.
“If you are leading this violence, come to the table, not the battlefield. Declare your mission, and let us solve this through dialogue and faith.” He added
The bishop reminded the congregation of the success achieved in the past when faith leaders opened channels of communication with the South Sudan National Liberation Movement (SSNLM) and forces allied to former governor Alfred Futuyo, efforts that contributed to the 2018 peace agreement.
He called for a similar spirit of openness and accountability in tackling today’s unrest.
Bishop Hiiboro also appealed to the newly appointed governor of Western Equatoria State, Barrister James Al Taib Berapai, to place reconciliation at the center of his leadership.
For residents of Tombura, the bishop’s words carried deep weight.
“We have cried enough. It is time for leaders to listen to the voice of the church,” said Margaret Nawia, a widow displaced by the conflict. “All we want is safety for our children and the chance to live in peace.”
Joseph Kurapai, a youth leader in Yambio, added: “The bishop is speaking for us. Violence is not the solution dialogue is. We are pleading with the armed groups to stop destroying our future.”
Western Equatoria State has been plagued by recurring violence that has displaced thousands and strained both local security and humanitarian services.
With tensions still high in Tombura County, Bishop Hiiboro’s call adds urgency to mounting appeals for dialogue as theonly sustainable path forward.
