South Sudan: Bishop of Yei ready to meet with rebel fighters in the bush

The Bishop of Yei in South Sudan, Erkolano Lodu Tombe, has repeated his request to the government to allow him travel into the jungle to speak with rebel fighters and find out their grievances.

According to Catholic Radio Easter of South Sudan, the Yei Catholic Bishop who is also the Chairperson of Yei Church Leaders’ Ecumenical Team, says the permission is needed to avoid unnecessary suspicion at various checkpoints he would have to encounter.

Bishop Erkolano Lodu Tombe says the church is not a spy for any party and his interest in going to seek the rebel fighters is only to make sure that the fighting stops. 

Local political administrators have already approved the Bishop's request but the Yei State Information Minister, Stephen Lado Onesimo, said the state government is still waiting for a response and clearance from the national government of South Sudan.

The Bishop disclosed his intention at a meeting held this week, in Yei River State. The meeting involved the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) officials and Church leaders who met to try and improve civil and military relations in Yei.

(Sudan Catholic Radio Network)

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