Conflict Leaves Deep Scars in Malakal, Bishop Warns Against War

By Waure Eddy

Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Catholic Diocese of Tambura-Yambio urged the public to witness the devastating effects of war in Malakal.

“Anyone who desires war should first visit Malakal and see what it has wrought. The pain is overwhelming; people are suffering,” he stated on Friday during his return to Yambio, emphasising the immense hardships faced by communities caught in conflict.

During the Bishops’ Conference, the clergy issued a statement urging the government to intensify efforts towards peace.

Bishop Hiiboro highlighted that the Church’s presence in Malakal was a deliberate act of solidarity, intended to support the people in their struggles.

He also joined fellow clergy in Sudan, where he listened to accounts of displacement and conflict. Bishop Triller urged the clergy to widely share the plight of Sudanese refugees, while Bishop Didi was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances.

Bishop Hiiboro offered condolences to those who lost loved ones during last week’s gunfire in Yambio and called for enduring peace in Western Equatoria State.

He further urged South Sudan’s leaders to strive for peace so that citizens can enjoy lasting stability and development throughout the nation.

The diocese looks forward to continuing its pastoral work under his guidance, inspired by his experiences and strengthened by his call for unity and prayer for the nation.

Reflecting on his time at CUEA, Bishop Hiiboro highlighted the positive strides made across Catholic universities in Eastern Africa. He expressed particular pride in graduates from Yambio who excelled among their peers.

“One piece of good news was that among the graduates were our own from Yambio. Father Luis and another student performed exceptionally well, and even Gbodoro, the diocesan electrician, surprised us by ranking second best. It was a tremendous encouragement,” the bishop remarked.

He emphasised the importance of education despite financial challenges, noting that two students managed to represent the diocese at the graduation ceremony.

Following the board meeting, Bishop Hiiboro travelled to Malakal, where he joined Bishop Stephen in ministering to communities rebuilding from the devastation of war. He described Malakal as a region rich in natural resources but deeply scarred by conflict. Visiting the Protection of Civilians (POC) site, he witnessed firsthand the suffering of displaced families living in overcrowded conditions and reliant on external aid for survival.