South Sudanese Bishop’s Appeal for “safety” of Former Governor Bears Fruit

CANAA || By Fr. Don Bosco Onyalla, Nairobi || 24 August 2015

The appeal for the “safety” of the former Western Equatoria governor, Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro, made by Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Catholic diocese of Tombura-Yambio in South Sudan, has borne fruit.

The former governor, who had been allegedly taken from his private residence by security personnel after having been relieved of his duties as governor through a presidential decree, “was set free from his state of arrest by the President Salva Kiir.”

Bishop Hiiboro has since expressed gratitude following the release of the former governor last Friday, saying, “I take this chance to thank all the people who contributed to peaceful handling of the situation that was truly a work of peace.”

Below is the full text of Bishop Hiiboro’s statement of appreciation following his fruitful intervention for the safe release of the former governor.

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August 21, 2015

Ref. Words of gratitude to the Government of South Sudan and all Peace Lovers

Theme: Thank you for releasing Col. Joseph Bangasi Bakosoro - Let us rededicate ourselves to peace

It is nearly 24 hours since I joined my voice of appeal for the release of Co. Joseph Bakosoro whose arrest did not fulfil proper legal standards.

Today, he was set free from his state of arrest by the President Salva Kiir, whom I thank truly. I take this chance to thank all the people who contributed to peaceful handling of the situation that was truly a work of peace. I am particular thankful to the Minister of Defence for his straightforwardness and responsibility.

As much as we seek actions and interventions from our government, we as well stand ready to thank and bless them for such noble duty. Thank you all for a job well done.

For our country South Sudan, we must begin by acknowledging the hard truth: We will not eradicate violent conflict in our lifetimes. I make this statement mindful of what Martin Luther King Jr. said many years ago: "Violence never brings permanent peace. It solves no social problem: it merely creates new and more complicated ones." I believe that there is nothing weak -- nothing passive -- nothing naïve -- in the creed and lives of great people such a Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Mandela,

.

As people of South Sudan, there have been times when each and every one of us has needed to forgive. There have also been times when each one of us needed to be forgiven. There will be many times again. In our own ways, we are all broken. Out of that brokenness, we hurt others. Forgiveness is the journey we take towards healing the broken parts. And this is how we become whole again.

Forgiveness is the way we set those interactions right. It is the way we mend the torn social fabric of our beloved nation. It is the way we stop our human community from division.

In my understanding, it seems like it is the human condition, there has always been violence and when we are greeted with it we must choose the side of peace.

Dialogue and talking to each other out of love can prevent bloodshed and violence, and will promote peace. I believe that Col Bakosoro will learn to work for peace and consider all as equal. May all who have demonstrated love, unity, peace and constructive advice be blessed. God rewards you abundantly.

My appeal to you all is: when we hear hate speech or see a hateful act we can stand up and confront it, and do so as people of faith. God’s Word announces to us that we all “are one in Christ.” (Gal 3:28). That is the identity that God gives us, and with it comes the responsibility and opportunity to live as if we believed it to be true. The willingness to live that life doesn’t depend on how others receive us; it depends on our trust in the God who is making all things new. That trust is itself a gift of God. Let us use it.

Finally, I ask you to join me in prayer for the needy and suffering people of South Sudan. Thank you for your faithful witness to the saving love of Christ. Let us continue to pray for the prisoners who are not able to come out and above all for peace to prevail in our beloved nation. Once more, thank you very much and God bless you all!

Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio