By Lodu William Odiya
Bishop Dr. Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio has called on armed groups to stop killing civilians, burning vehicles, and attacking people on the country’s roads.
The bishop said those pursuing political or ideological objectives should avoid targeting innocent citizens and instead present their ideas through peaceful means.
“If anybody really wants to fight in South Sudan, you don’t kill innocent people on the road. You don’t burn the vehicles, because they are yours,” Bishop Hiiboro said.
He argued that destroying property and attacking citizens ultimately harms the same communities and country that political or armed movements claim to represent.
“If you are going to be the government tomorrow, those vehicles are yours. The citizens you kill or arrest on the road, they are yours,” he added.
The bishop made the remarks while emphasising the need for political actors and armed groups to consider non-violent approaches to pursuing their objectives.
According to Bishop Hiiboro, an ideology should serve as a foundation for mobilising people around ideas rather than becoming a justification for violence against civilians.
“Ideology is something that you need to have to help a movement,” he said, while urging those involved in armed activities to communicate their political positions to the public instead of resorting to attacks.
He further encouraged stakeholders to engage armed actors and persuade them to abandon violence.
“If we reach out to those people, let us say to them, ‘No, don’t kill people.'” Sell your ideas. You can even do it non-violently,” Bishop Hiiboro said.
His remarks come amid continued concerns over insecurity and attacks along some roads in South Sudan, where violence can disrupt the movement of people and goods while affecting access to essential services.
Road insecurity has also raised concerns among communities, traders, humanitarian organisations and transporters who depend on safe roads to move between towns and rural areas.
The bishop’s call places emphasis on protecting civilians and public property regardless of political or ideological differences. He argued that political movements should seek public support through their ideas rather than through fear, destruction, and violence.
His message also highlights the broader responsibility of those seeking political power to protect the people and national assets they would eventually be expected to govern.
Bishop Hiiboro urged a shift from violent confrontation toward peaceful engagement, saying political and ideological differences can be communicated without taking innocent lives.
The appeal comes as South Sudan continues efforts to consolidate peace and prepare for the December 2026 general elections, making the protection of civilians and peaceful political participation key concerns for communities across the country.