Tombura Yambio – “Contest the election, but protect the family. Serve the people, but do not destroy one another.” This is the appeal made by Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of Tombura Yambio ahead of the general elections in South Sudan, scheduled for December 22, 2026. They will be the first elections since the country gained independence in 2011.
In a message sent to Fides News Agency, the Bishop addresses in particular those intending to run for election, inviting them to reflect on political responsibility, the protection of the family and the need to engage in electoral competition without fuelling further divisions.
“I share these thoughts not as a politician or an analyst, but as a Bishop, a South Sudanese citizen and a father who walks closely with our people,” Hiiboro explains. He says that every day he meets “mothers and fathers, young people, farmers, students, displaced families and community leaders”, listening to their “hopes, fears and struggles”.
The Bishop urges people to see the forthcoming elections as an important opportunity for growth for South Sudan’s young democracy. “We have much to learn about democratic participation, political competition, leadership, acceptance of results and peaceful disagreement,” he stresses. “Having already passed through enormous challenges, we cannot afford an electoral season that creates new wounds where wisdom could prevent them.”
“Why am I contesting?” This is the first question Hiiboro urges candidates to ask themselves. Every citizen with “integrity, competence, vision and a genuine desire to serve” should be free to offer themselves. But before entering the race, candidates should examine their motivations and assess their preparedness. “Am I doing this to genuinely serve the people, or simply to obtain a position?” the Bishop asks. He adds further questions: “Have I prayed, consulted and prepared myself financially, emotionally and spiritually? Do I understand the responsibility I am seeking? And can I accept the result peacefully, whatever it may be?”
Particular attention is given to the family, which risks being drawn into political divisions. “A husband and wife may contest, even from different parties. Brothers and sisters may compete. Parents and children may have different political ambitions,” the Bishop observes, recalling that “democracy allows different convictions”. The danger, however, is that political competition can quietly enter the home and begin to affect relationships. “Different political opinions can become arguments. Campaign money can create tension. Supporters can bring rumours and pressure into the family.” Children, too, can be exposed to political hostility or feel they must take sides. Brothers and sisters can become distant because of political loyalties.
“When this happens,” he warns, “the home can slowly become another campaign arena.”
For this reason, Bishop Hiiboro encourages families to sit together before the campaign becomes intense: “Pray together. Speak honestly. Discuss finances, children and expectations.” Above all, he insists, “whatever happens politically, the dignity of each person and the unity of the family must be protected”.
“Do not allow your supporters to divide you. Do not put your family’s future at risk for the sake of an election,” the Bishop exhorts. “Let the family be that place where one can return without shame. If one spouse wins and the other loses.”
In his message, the Bishop also highlights the personal toll of political competition, with its pressures, criticism, rumours, anxiety and exhaustion. “Some people may praise you today and disappear tomorrow. Your family, however, will rstill be there.”
An election, he points out, “may last a few months, but your family must live with its consequences for many years”. He therefore offers some simple advice: “Pray. Rest. Take counsel from people who will tell you the truth, not only those who applaud you. Sometimes silence is the wisest response.”
The Bishop hopes that the forthcoming elections will become “a school of democracy” for the country. “Our children are watching us,” he says. They will learn about democracy “not only from laws and institutions, but from how we behave when we win and when we lose”. His appeal is therefore to “disagree peacefully, compete without hatred, accept results with dignity and celebrate victory without humiliating others”.
Bishop Hiiboro also emphasizes the importance of “broad and inclusive” political participation, making room for women, young people, professionals, different communities and responsible citizens. At the same time, he warns that “political positions should never be treated as family property”. What should matter instead are “competence”, “character”, “integrity” and “a spirit of service”, while “the freedom and dignity of the people must remain at the centre”.
In conclusion, the Bishop of Tombura Yambio urges all those who feel called to political service to prepare seriously and stand for election “with courage”, while also asking themselves whether they are ready to assume public responsibility without putting their family relationships at risk.
“South Sudan has already paid too high a price for division,” he recalls. The country must therefore offer “patience to our young democracy, wisdom to our ambitions, protection to our families and dignity to one another”.
“Spend what you can afford, but do not spend your family’s future,” Hiiboro concludes. “Prepare to win, but prepare even better to lose with dignity. The office may last a few years. The family remains.”
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