South Sudan Bishops and President Kiir: “Let’s work together for peace”

Vatican News

“A very productive and successful meeting,” is how Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, the Bishop of Tombura-Yambio, defined the meeting with the President of the Republic of South Sudan, General Salva Kiir Mayardit. Bishop Kussala was accompanied to the meeting by the Archbishop of Juba, Stephen Amenyu,

Bishops ready to continue collaboration with Government

“We met the Head of State to assure him of our closeness as leaders of the Church and as representatives of the Bishops’ Conference. We went on behalf of the people of South Sudan to assure him of our willingness to collaborate and to work with him and with the Government for the peace and growth of our people in the Republic of South Sudan,” said Barani Kussala.

Commended the President for his role in the Sudan peace

The Bishop of Tombura-Yambio added that the two representatives of the South Sudanese Church commended the President for his role in the successful signing of the peace agreement reached on 31 August between the Sudanese Government and a series of rebel groups.

The country must stay the course of peace

The two Bishops also congratulated President Kiir on the formation and implementation of the ongoing South Sudan Government of National Unity. Another critical point, noted by the Bishops, was the Government’s willingness and magnanimity to reach agreement on the reduction of South Sudan’s 32 States of the Federation to the original 10.

Bishop Kussala said they further encouraged the President and his collaborators and the Opposition to continue to implement the South Sudan Peace Agreement.

“We told him that he is on the right path and that he should continue to work hard with his colleagues to consolidate peace in the country,” said Bishop Kussala. “We underlined the fact that although it is complex and difficult to implement the Peace Agreement, we must not give in to the temptation to return to war, but we must work tirelessly to restore peace in the Republic of South Sudan,” reported the Bishop of Tombura Yambio.

President Kiir assured never to lead the country back to war

In reply, “The President assured that he would never bring the Republic of South Sudan back to war,” said Bishop Kussala. Lastly, the President is said to have expressed delight at the visit of the two Bishop-representatives.

Coronavirus: Churches to reopen

As for the coronavirus pandemic and closure of places of worship, President Kiir authorised the reopening of Churches but in compliance with precautionary health measures in place.

“The President said that the Government could not do without the Church. 'We need it just as we did during the liberation struggle when the Church was there to unite the people',” Bishop Kussala narrated.

(Agenzia Fides)