2023
CODEP launches Peace Building Project to Conflict-Affected Areas in Western Equatoria State
By Baraka John
A Peace-building project for conflict-affected areas of Western Equatoria State has been launched this morning by the Catholic organization for peace and development.
The 12 – months project funded by the US embassy in South Sudan, is to increase social cohesion within Western Equatoria State and to reduce the risk of inter-communal violence at the local level through dialogue processes.
Addressing the invited guests on the launching of the project, the director of the Catholic Organization for Peace and Development (CODEP) Fr. Charles, added that the project of peace-building activities also aims to mitigate the risk of figure conflicts by creating a local conflict management mechanism.
“Western Equatoria we shall be focusing on Tambura, Ezo, Maridi, and other places, because this peace-building project is not only for two tribes of Western Equatoria but it is for the tribes living here in the State. Our country needs peace in order to move ahead, everyone who has experienced this conflict in greater Tambura and other parts of the State is traumatized”. Fr. Charles said
The project will also cover components of capacity building for local authorities and local leaders to enable them peacefully address conflicts in their areas. Also, involve community members in conflict scans and dialogue meetings.
Other components include validating and prioritizing conflict issues and available solutions proved, improving the capacity of local women in the communities, among others.
Mr. Tahir Ibrahim UNDP representative stated that peace is key for South Sudanese at this critical moment of the transitional period as the Country is gearing toward electing its leaders.
Mr. Ibrahim commended CODEP for the peace-building program and called on the international partners to help fund peace-building programs in Western Equatoria State.
“As UNMISS we appreciate the effort by CODEP to implement this peace-building project in the conflict-affected areas of Western Equatoria State, project such as this, is very critical in terms of resolving conflicts in those affected areas and fostering that peaceful inter-communal co-existence and social cohesion”, Mr. Ibrahim added.
On the other hand, the Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura – Yambio, Rev. Fr. Thomas Bagbiowia said, phase one of the project will cover Tambura and Ezo, phase two will cover Nagioro, Namutina, and other places in the Diocese.
The implementation of the peace-building project will now start in Tambura County which has seen worse inter-communal conflict in the last two years.
In attendance was a representative of the UN, CSOs organized forces, and State Minister of Peacebuilding who warmly welcome the initiative and expressed government support for the success of this project.
2023
President Salva Kiir Promises to Open Kuajok-Yambio Road to Honor 100 Years of Faith
By Sr. Henriette Anne FSSA
During the Centenary celebration of 100 years of Faith in Kuajok Wau Diocese on 18th March 2023, President Salva Kiir the president of the Republic of South Sudan promised to open Kuajok – Yambio road in order to leave a historical mark for the 100 years of faith upon the request of Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura – Yambio (CDTY) who spoke on behalf of Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops Conference.
President Kiir also in his remarks recognized the crucial role played by the Catholic church in areas of Evangelism, education, and health. He added that he will work on the construction and refurbishing of old Churches and schools.
The Centenary celebration held at the Kuajok parish was presided over by Cardinal Gabriel Zuber Wako, Bishop of Wau Diocese, Bishop Mathew Remijo, Bishop of Tombura Yambio, Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro.
In his speech, the prelate stated that the Kuajok – Yambio road will be a road of Peace, a road of development, food security, and economic exchange between the communities in the areas.
Bishop Eduardo also acknowledges the contribution of the Catholic Church in Nation building since the first president, the first female speaker of the National Legislative assembly, and many more leading personalities in the country are from the input of the Catholic calling upon the church and the government to work together.
Reflecting on the Pope’s Ecumenical visit to South Sudan, the bishop called upon all the South Sudanese to let Pope’s message be a dictionary of National Peace Building.
Those who attended the celebration included President Kiir, Vice President for Service Cluster, Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, Speaker of the National Parliament, Jemma Nunu Kumba, and other senior officials from the state and national government.
2019
Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala interviews from the USA
The South Sudanese Bishop Trying to Bring War to an End in the World’s Newest Country: https://time.com/5700917/south-sudan-bishop-peace/
Bishop brings attention to South Sudan’s humanitarian crisis (link only available outside Europe): https://www.phillytrib.com/news/bishop-brings-attention-to-south-sudan-s-humanitarian-crisis/article_98d076fe-f23b-5ee9-b189-79d87b6fca50.html
Conversion to Peace and Social Justice (AUDIO): https://resources.razorplanet.com/512640-2387/101319AConversiontoPeaceandSocialJustice_762201.mp3
Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, a different sort of bishop (AUDIO): https://podcasts.apple.com/il/podcast/eduardo-hiiboro-kussala-a-different-sort-of-bishop/id1163175265?i=1000455691475
Bishop Kussala of war-torn South Sudan shares the importance of faith during a time of crisis:
Crisis In Sudan: New Wave Of Violence Displaces Millions; Millions More Lack Basic Survival Needs:
Catholic bishop updates lawmakers on South Sudan peace deal – EWTN News Nightly:
Chapel: Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, Oct 14, 2019:
Moipo – Simanjiro:
2019
Over 1 Thousands First AID Workers Have Been Trained and Graduated to Respond to Any Emergence in the Community in Yambio Gbudue State
Speaking to Anisa FM Radio Dr. Oliver Hillario, Manager for African Training Centre says, 1,400 first Aid workers have been graduated after completing two months training and call up on the communities to collaborate with first AIDERS in order for them to respond to an emergency in the community He adds that the trainees have acquired training for two months in Yambio which as qualified them to treat a sickness at early stages before the sickness gets worse.
Dr. Oliver mentioned that African Training Centre is Aiming to carry out the training in the whole of South Sudan. On his part, the Acting Minister of health in Gbudue state, Gibson Bullen Wande advises the graduates not to show off but let them offer effective services to the communities adding that it’s important for them to give services to the needed persons or community Cerilo Franco says with the two months training acquired he is able now to treat a sick person special with too much bleeding with the experience gained he can now handle sickness at early stage.
Meanwhile Joyce Peter, another graduates expresses her excitement adding that she can treat any person that she can see on the way that might have sustain serious and she will offer the services for free without any charge because she has acquired the training without any payment Anisa Radio journalist who attended the graduation reported that there was no medical equipment handed over to the graduates during the graduation; it is unclear which method they will be using to respond to the emergencies trained for in the community. The graduation of first AIDERS was conducted on Saturday at Yambio freedom Square.
2019
Bishop Advice Citizens of Tombura State to stop Tribalism and Unite
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio urges citizens of Tombura State to work hard to stop tribalism in the state in order to develop themselves for better future Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala upon his return from Rome where he went for the continuation of Pope Francis bold initiative for peace in South Sudan, upon hearing the news of insecurity in Tombura state decided to proceed immediately to Tombura.
He
calls on all State Government in the person of Governor Patrick Zamoi,
all ngos, cbo, parishes leadership, apostolic societies, Business
people, traditional leaders, youths, women and all those in diaspora to
do what can unite and promote coexistence for peace in the state!
Please have hope and trust in yourselves and God will compliment,
Hiiboro, adds.
In other development, Bishop Hiiboro announces the commencement of the
Women and Maternity hospital as the building materials have arrived
Bishop Hiiboro announces the ground breaking for the construction of St. Genevieve Academy Secondary which is due for September 07th 2019 in Tombura! The Bishop says, soon he will officiate institution of Two postulates as Novices for the congregation of Sisters of our Lady of Peace in Tombura. The Bishop encourages parents and community to allow girls enter religious life. This will be the first time for the congregation since 1974 to have novices who would become sisters after two years in that congregation.
2019
Parents Must Support their Children to School
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura Yambio is calling on parents to support their children to school because they are the future leaders of this country adding that the only gift that can be given to a child is education. Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kusala encouraged pupils of St. Theresa Naandi Nursery and primary school to be committed to their education while calling on parents to support them by paying school fees.
The Bishop appreciates the teachers of Naandi Nursery and primary school for the great work they are doing and encouraged them to continue with the spirit because through education future leaders can come with good quality. Bishop Hiiboro assured the people of Naandi that they can only develop when they have gone to school citing that people must study to take away poverty and in South Sudan.
The Bishop was talking in Naandi Catholic Parish during the announciation of the second term results up on his pastoral visit to Tombura State on Monday this week.