Bishop Dr. Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio has made a passionate appeal to armed groups in South Sudan to stop targeting civilians, burning vehicles, and attacking people on the country's roads. He emphasized that those pursuing political or ideological objectives should avoid harming innocent citizens and instead present their ideas through peaceful means. The bishop's remarks come at a time when the country is grappling with insecurity and violence, particularly along some roads.
According to Bishop Hiiboro, destroying property and attacking citizens ultimately harms the same communities and country that political or armed movements claim to represent. He argued that if armed groups are to become the government in the future, the vehicles they destroy and the citizens they kill or arrest on the road are, in fact, their own. The bishop's comments highlight the need for political actors and armed groups to consider non-violent approaches to pursuing their objectives.
Bishop Hiiboro emphasized that an ideology should serve as a foundation for mobilizing people around ideas rather than becoming a justification for violence against civilians. He urged those involved in armed activities to communicate their political positions to the public instead of resorting to attacks. The bishop encouraged stakeholders to engage armed actors and persuade them to abandon violence, saying, "If we reach out to those people, let us say to them, 'No, don't kill people.' Sell your ideas. You can even do it non-violently."
The bishop's call places emphasis on protecting civilians and public property regardless of political or ideological differences. He argued that political movements should seek public support through their ideas rather than through fear, destruction, and violence. His message also highlights the broader responsibility of those seeking political power to protect the people and national assets they would eventually be expected to govern.
His remarks come amid continued concerns over insecurity and attacks along some roads in South Sudan, where violence can disrupt the movement of people and goods while affecting access to essential services. Road insecurity has raised concerns among communities, traders, humanitarian organizations, and transporters who depend on safe roads to move between towns and rural areas.
The appeal comes as South Sudan continues efforts to consolidate peace and prepare for the December 2026 general elections, making the protection of civilians and peaceful political participation key concerns for communities across the country. Bishop Hiiboro's comments underscore the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of citizens during this critical period.
Bishop Hiiboro urged a shift from violent confrontation toward peaceful engagement, saying political and ideological differences can be communicated without taking innocent lives. His message is a call to action for armed groups and political actors to prioritize the protection of civilians and to pursue their objectives through peaceful means.
Key points
- Bishop Hiiboro calls on armed groups to cease attacks on civilians and pursue peaceful means to achieve their objectives.
- The bishop emphasizes the need for political actors to prioritize the protection of civilians and public property.
- His appeal comes as South Sudan prepares for the December 2026 general elections, highlighting the importance of peaceful political participation.
