Bishop Kussala Urges Peace on International Day of Peace
On September 21, Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of Tombura-Yambio emphasized the need for a renewed commitment to peace, reconciliation, and justice during his address marking the International Day of Peace. Given the o…
On September 21, Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of Tombura-Yambio emphasized the need for a renewed commitment to peace, reconciliation, and justice during his address marking the International Day of Peace. Given the ongoing challenges related to conflict and displacement in South Sudan, he called upon political leaders, communities, youth, and faith leaders to reject violence and work towards rebuilding trust.
“Peace begins with me. Peace begins with you. Peace begins with us,” declared Bishop Kussala, underscoring the personal and collective responsibility to foster peace. He urged all to focus on reconciliation in Sudan and South Sudan, advocating for proactive investments in peace for everyone, everywhere, every day.
In his remarks, Kussala, who serves as president of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Sudan/South Sudan Catholic Bishops Conference (SSSCBC), referenced the profound suffering experienced by communities afflicted by violence, displacement, grief, and fear. “Peace is more than the absence of war,” he stated. “It requires justice, dignity, security, reconciliation, and the courage to rebuild trust.” He acknowledged the deep wounds inflicted by years of conflict and called for prayers for the victims, displaced individuals, and children growing up in insecure environments.
“Our peoples have carried wounds for too long,” the Bishop lamented. “But our wounds belong to our history; peace is the legacy we must leave to our children.” Kussala made a strong appeal to leaders and citizens alike to prevent differences from escalating into violence, instead encouraging dialogue, mutual respect, and leadership that serves the common good. “Let our differences never become reasons for violence,” he urged, highlighting the importance of political processes that respect the dignity and rights of every citizen.
He particularly addressed the youth of South Sudan, inspiring them to reject the inherited divisions and hatred of previous generations. “Do not inherit the hatred of yesterday,” he urged. “Build bridges across communities and differences. Choose education, faith, service, and reconciliation over violence.” The Bishop also implored families, religious institutions, and the media to take their responsibilities seriously in establishing peace, as everyday words and actions can either exacerbate existing tensions or contribute to healing.
Bishop Kussala concluded by entrusting the peoples of Sudan and South Sudan to God. He prayed for those mourning, the wounded, the vulnerable, and all engaged in the pursuit of justice and reconciliation. “May Sudan find peace. May South Sudan find peace. May Africa find peace,” he prayed, reiterating, “Peace begins with me. Peace begins with you. Peace begins with us. May the Lord make us instruments of His peace.”
