Delegation from South Sudan Council of Churches pays solidarity visit to Western Equatoria State
A delegation from the South Sudan Council of Churches on December 6 arrived in Yambio for a solidarity visit following the armed deadly conflict that has affected the Greater Tombura County in Western Equatoria State. The conflict which started in June 2021 and is yet to completely end has resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of property and massive displacement occurred.
Fr. James Oyet, the Secretary-General of South Sudan Council of Churches in his introduction speech at All Saints Cathedral in Yambio said that they have come to Yambio, as members of different Churches in South Sudan to pray with people, to listen more, and talk with different categories of people.
The delegation comprised of Bishop Dr. Isaiah Majok Dau, the Overseer of African Inland Church and a member of the Body of trustees of South Sudan Council of Churches. Bishop. Majok was the leader of the delegation, which included three other bishops. The delegation purposed to listen and talked both individuals, groups and also hold meetings with Church leaders in Yambio and State Government officials. The team intended to visit the most affected areas in western parts of the State include Ezo, RiiYubu, Tombura, and Nagero among others.
Western Equatoria Internal Provence Archbishop Dr. Samuel Enosa Peni who doubles as chairman of Inter-Church Committee in Yambio, welcomed the delegation into the State and as he shared with them about the unfortunate events of utter sufferings, killings, and displacement of people, which has characterized the tragic situation in the Greater Tombura.
Bishop Dr. Isaiah Majok Dau called on Western Equatoria communities to remain in the love of God and to uphold hope and faith as this will enable the people to work more for lasting peace. Bishop Majok testifies that Western Equatoria has always been the only peaceful State in South Sudan since independence; but the conflicts that erupted in June this year, 2021 have since changed that narrative, a situation which he said is uncalled for.
According to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), more than 80,000 people have since been displaced from their homes in Greater Tombura County, with properties of unknown values being destroyed. At the same time, disruption of human activities has also been reported in the affected areas. Currently, Blue Berets are providing protection to more than 9,000 displaced people who have sought refuge.
By Elias Ginana Mangbondo
