“Noble and heroic”: Catholic Bishop Eulogizes “assassinated” South Sudanese Chief

Tombura-Yambio, 06 September, 2023 / 5:08 PM

Prince Justin Agbiamamu of Yengiri Payam in South Sudan’s Enzo County of Western Equatoria State (WES), who was reportedly assassinated on August 30 was known for “noble and heroic acts”, Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the country’s Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY)  has recalled. 

In his Monday, September 4 condolence message, Bishop Hiiboro eulogizes the 53-year-old South Sudanese Paramount Chief, who was reportedly shot dead by unknown gunmen on his way home, riding on his motorbike.

“Sad to hear about the loss of our great leader Prince Justin Agbiamamu assassinated in a very horrible manner,” the South Sudanese Catholic Bishop says.

He further says, “Everyone praised Prince Agbiamamu for such noble and heroic acts. His leadership has been that of a servant for his people.”

“Prince Agbiamamu impressed everyone in his state, when during the war King Paul Gbatanyeki who died in the DRC refugee settlement, he Prince Agbiamamu, decided to bring back to South Sudan for descent burials the remains of King Gbatanyaki through the busy to his home palace, Naandi.” the Local Ordinary of CDTY that covers WES says. 

He continues in his September 4 statement, “I express my sincere sympathy to the family. My condolences, and please know that my thoughts are with the people of Ezo County, Yengiri Payam, Western Equatoria State, CDTY, friends and family, as well as the whole of South Sudan.”

“My deepest sympathies go out to the family of this fantastic role model,” Bishop Hiiboro reiterates, adding that the late Paramount Chief was “a leader indeed in all characters and offered himself for the growth and development of his people.”

To those behind the death of the South Sudanese traditional leader, Bishop Hiiboro says, “You have killed, you have destroyed respect for every human being, what you have done is completely wrong and is condemned in all totality.”

He adds, “Whatever reason you have for doing what you have done, cannot be justified at all. Why kill your brother and further do what you did? Repent and ask for forgiveness from all.”

Bishop Hiiboro calls on the South Sudanese government and community to “do the work they are entitled to bring justice to such a sad situation and prevent the behavior from becoming a culture in the society.”

The South Sudanese Catholic Bishop underscores the need for the people of God in WES “to have peace and love to overcome the sad situation at hand.”

He appeals for prayers for the repose of the soul of the late Paramount Chief.