Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura Yambio has urged South Sudanese to embrace self-reliance and abandon the destructive language of division.
Bishop Eduardo said that dignity and peace can only be built when people choose healing words and sustainable actions.
In a message delivered to clergy, laity, and community leaders, the Bishop of Tombura-Yambio warned that foreign aid is shrinking and that reliance on outside help cannot secure the country’s future.
“The world is saying America first, Europe first, Asia first. Can we not also say Africa first? South Sudan first?” he asked.
According to him, self-reliance is not only practical but also a spiritual duty.
“Self-reliance is dignity. It is humble, it is sustainable, and it gives peace of heart. Even when we face shortages, that is not the end of the road it is fuel to keep us moving forward,” Bishop Hiiboro said.
The Bishop also challenged South Sudanese communities to change the way they speak to one another.
He said toxic communication marked by gossip, tribalism, and bitterness has poisoned families, institutions, and society at large.
“Our people are traumatized. They need Good News,” he said. “If your heart is poisoned, your words will poison. If your heart is peaceful, your words will bring peace.”
He urged priests, church workers, and believers to adopt nonviolent communication by eliminating hurtful words and instead using language that heals, encourages, and restores.
“Let the Church be like a radio station always broadcasting hope—open, healing, and building people up,” he added.
Bishop Hiiboro reminded Christians that the Church is celebrating the Jubilee of Hope, which he described as a mission rather than a concept.
“Hope must become flesh in our diocese. It must be lived in our parishes, in our families, and in our communities. By visiting one another, supporting one another, and encouraging each other, we give hope that tomorrow will be better,” he said.
He stressed that reconciliation must begin at home: “If families are divided, how can communities stand? Healing starts in the family and spreads to society.”
The Bishop acknowledged the difficulties of working in South Sudan’s fragile situation but urged people to remain anchored in God.
“In times like these, only God can give us wisdom to remain calm and to respond without error,” he said.
He concluded with a challenge: “Let us rise above bitterness.
Let us live self-reliance. Let our words be healing words. South Sudan’s future will not be built on violence or dependency, but on unity, dignity, and hope.
