Catholic Bishop Appeals for Joint Support of Central African Refugees in South Sudan

Tonj, 19 January, 2026 / 5:16 PM

The Bishop of South Sudan’s Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY) has appealed for collaboration between the Church, government, and humanitarian organizations in addressing the immediate needs of people fleeing violence in the Central African Republic (CAR), and seeking refuge in the world’s youngest nation.

Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala made the remarks on Sunday, January 18, during a visit to displaced civilians from the CAR who are currently living in the Source Yubu area in his Episcopal See, where he assured them of continued support and solidarity in their time of need.

Assuring the Central African refugees of continued support, Bishop Hiiboro emphasized in a January 18 report, “the importance of joint efforts between the Church, government authorities, and humanitarian organizations to address urgent needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education.”

“The Church cannot work alone,” the South Sudanese Catholic Church leader who serves as President of the Integral Human Development Commission of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSS-CBC) said in his address to the refugees and humanitarian workers, highlighting the need for stronger collaboration among humanitarian partners to support the refugees.

He expressed concern over the deplorable conditions of displaced families and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to coordinated efforts “to ease the suffering of displaced communities and promote peaceful coexistence with host populations.”

“We are committed to collaborating with humanitarian partners to ensure that the dignity, safety, and basic needs of our brothers and sisters here in Source Yubu are upheld,” Bishop Hiiboro said.

The CAR has had years of violence, displacement, poverty, and deep divisions, with at least 500 civilians fleeing the country into South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State after fighting erupted between rebel groups and government forces in the border town of Bambuti, Radio Tamazuj reported on December 30, 2025.

According to the report, the displaced civilians, mostly women, children, and local leaders, crossed into the Source Yubu area of Tambura County in late December and are sheltering without adequate food, clean water, or housing.”

The report further quotes the Western Equatoria State Police Commissioner, Maj. Gen. Phillip Madut Tong confirming the arrival of civilians from the Bambuti area in southeastern CAR.

“We have received civilians and officials fleeing from Bambuti. The situation on our side is calm, and security forces are protecting the border,” the South Sudanese police official is quoted as saying.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on January 14 described the humanitarian situation in Southeast CAR as “alarming” following armed clashes between the Central African Armed Forces (FACA), their allies, and the Azandé Ani Kpi Gbé in the town of Zémio, Haut-Mbomou Prefecture.

The report says the violence has led to casualties and displaced massive numbers of civilians who have left everything behind.

“The ICRC reiterates that it is crucial to protect civilian populations from violence and to ensure their access to essential infrastructure, particularly health facilities,” the January 14 ICRC report reads in part.

Meanwhile, members of the Central African Episcopal Conference (CECA) have called upon the newly elected government in the 28 December 2025 polls to work towards restoring peace in the country.

In a report published by the Vatican on January 13, the Catholic Church leaders call for peace founded on justice, for political responsibility, and for the rejection of every form of violence after the elections that saw President Faustin-Archange Touadéra elected to power for a third consecutive term.

The CECA members emphasize that “peace is not a luxury, but an inalienable right of every citizen and a duty for those who govern.”