Catholic Bishop in South Sudan Urges Young People to “avoid being misled by politicians”

He emphasized the need for hard work saying it is the key to success for young people and a solution to the many challenges the world’s youngest country is facing. 

“We need to work hard; we need to be honest; we need to work as if we are not the ones enjoying the fruits of South Sudan, but we are the ones laying the foundation,” Bishop Hiiboro who was part of the South Sudan delegation at the Episcopal Ordination of Mons. Kadima on February 19 told ACI Africa.

He continued, “Let us dirty our hands; and if we do so, the generation to come after us will enjoy the country. So let us work; let us do away with laziness.”

The South Sudanese Bishop advocated for honesty, and explains, “being honest means using the resources rightly for the people of South Sudan.”

Credit: ACI Africa

South Sudan has been facing numerous challenges including insecurity, humanitarian crisis caused by floods and inter-communal conflicts, which have slowed the realization of peace in the country.

Western Equatoria State that is covered by the CDTY has been characterized by ethnic violence.

Last year, religious leaders serving in the State said that at least 200 people had lost their lives in the skirmishes.

In the February 19 interview with ACI Africa, Bishop Hiiboro outlined the role of religious leaders in reconciling the various communities in conflict in the area covered by his Episcopal See.

“One good news in our place is the unity among churches and it is something very close to my heart,” he said, and added, “We need to unite together even as different religious communities. This gives us the power to talk to people who are divided.”

He continued in reference to those in conflict, “We tell them to look at religious leaders; we don't come from one faith, one religion, but we are holding together.”

Credit: ACI Africa

The unity in diversity manifested by religious leaders in South Sudan, Bishop Hiiboro said, “has helped us to resolve a lot of conflicts in the area and we are still doing it.”

Last year, Bishop Hiiboro recalled during the February 19 interview, “we had something like a tribal conflict but we have been working on it. You know when tribal differences come up, it is delicate because those who are in conflict have different faiths but the tribal thing always surpasses.”

“We are working hard to teach people that as believers we must go above our tribes and unite ourselves. So, the unity of religious leaders is helping us to solve problems,” the South Sudanese Bishop who turns 58 in March told ACI Africa. 

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Reflecting on the pastoral activities of his Diocese amid challenges, Bishop Hiiboro said, “The Church is doing well. We are grateful to God that despite the challenges in the country we are holding on. But our pride and our strength is faith. I call my Diocese a faith-led Diocese, a people who identify themselves with God and it gives us motivation.”

He rejoiced at the numerous vocations in his Diocese saying, “My Diocese is very big and am grateful to God that he has given me a lot of vocations. It is a fertile ground for vocations.”

“Many young people are adhering and moving into the Religious Life and Priestly vocations and this is a very encouraging element,” the Catholic Church leader said.

He added, “Our Diocese is also known to be the area of peace. We have conflict, but the good news is that people turn to God and ask Him to take control and answer their problem. We leave all issues and difficulties in the hands of God.”

Credit: ACI Africa

The people of God in the CDTY are working hard “to grow our own food and support ourselves,” the Bishop who has been at the helm of Tombura-Yambio Diocese since his Episcopal Ordination in June 2008 said. 

Reflecting on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on his Episcopal See, Bishop Hiiboro told ACI Africa, “The pandemic has limited resources and availability of people coming into our Parishes and our community.”

He regretted that “many children have not been able to follow their education; some social services have not been in place because of COVID-19.”

The South Sudanese Bishop underscored the need to the people of God in the East-Central African nation to be “ambassadors of peace.” 

“It is not enough to be called Christians or followers of God or Children of God. We need to work with this within ourselves, in our hearts, how is God for you in your heart. Once you know this and have the conviction about your faith then you will actually act from the power of what you believe in,” Bishop Hiiboro said February 19.

He added, “Let us be people who believe and act as believers and the rest of our challenges we will be able to solve them.”