Bishop Kussala laments South Sudan’ senseless violence

Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, the Bishop of Tombura-Yambio and President of the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference

The Bishop of Tombura-Yambio and President of the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala has made a passionate appeal to the youth of South Sudan and Sudan to embrace peace and become part of networks for peace

The Bishop made the call in a recent pastoral statement addressed to young people in the two Sudans. The letter titled, “Young people: YES we can make Peace but let us do it together in respect, compassion, and justice!” The document comes at a time when Pope Francis has dedicated the 15th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to young people. The October 2018 Synod to be held in the Vatican, will have as a theme, "Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment."

In his pastoral statement, Bishop Kussala says,  “For us, in the two SUDANS it is quite necessary for us to stop awhile… and invite peace into our hearts, because we have lost everything to wars,”  the Bishop states in the letter.

He laments the high price of the “senseless violence” being witnessed in his country of South Sudan and recommends that young people become part of networks of peace.

“Indeed, now and only networks of peace must increase – that we must reach to all with whom peace can become a reality,” Bishop Kussala said.

The President of the Bishops’ Conference adds in his message to the to the youth. “You can set an example for all of us through your dedication, resourcefulness, and sincerity in promoting peaceful co-existence and building a nation, rich in resources that can stand as a symbol of achievement.”

The Bishop is confident that the youth in South Sudan and Sudan can have a positive impact on peace in the two countries.

 (Fr. Don Bosco Onyalla, CANAA, Nairobi)