Tombura Yambio – “Western Equatoria was not only known 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.” This is what the Bishop of Tombura Yambio County, Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, wrote in his address to the authorities, religious leaders, and the entire population. The month of May is particularly heartfelt throughout South Sudan due to the national holiday, during which commemorative events with community gatherings are held to honor the history of independence.
“However, over the years, painful challenges entered our society,” Bishop Hiiboro continues. “Violence, political instability, economic hardship, insecurity, displacement, mistrust, and division wounded our social fabric. Different parts of our beloved state, from the Lord’s Resistance Army attacks to the conflicts in Mundri, Maridi, Yambio, Ezo, and Tombura, experienced pain, fear, displacement, and suffering. Yet after all these painful years, one truth became very clear: Violence did not heal our communities. Hatred did not restore trust. Revenge did not create peace.”
“True peace is born through dialogue. That is why I appeal to all our people today: let us revive the culture of respectful conversation, reconciliation, and unity. Let leaders speak honestly to communities. Let chiefs, churches, youth, women, intellectuals, civil society, and families become bridges of healing and peace. Above all, let us safeguard the sacredness of human life. Life is a gift from God.
Reflecting on the inappropriate use of the media, Bishop Hiiboro emphasizes how impulsive use can be harmful. “Today, one careless message can destroy relationships built over generations. One insult written behind a phone screen can plant hatred in many hearts. Words are powerful. They can heal or destroy, unite or divide. A society becomes what its people continually plant through words, attitudes, and actions. Let us therefore develop a unifying language, a language of respect, wisdom, healing, encouragement, and responsibility. Let our words protect relationships instead of destroying them. I invite all our people to return to prayer and to hold firmly onto Christ, the Prince of Peace. Prayer changes attitudes, heals memories, softens bitterness, and renews communities.
The Bishop of Tombura Yambio, long committed to promoting dialogue and defending human rights, concludes his appeal by calling on everyone to unity, not 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. To women: continue to be guardians of life, healing, and reconciliation. To traditional leaders: reclaim the wisdom of dialogue, patience, and moral leadership.To church leaders: continue to defend truth, justice, peace, and unity withoutfear or tribalism. And to all 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.
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