By Joseph Kenyi Samuel
In the annals of South Sudan’s long and painful journey to nationhood, a story not just of politics and conflict but also of profound faith and resilience emerges. Throughout decades of armed liberation struggles, amidst the cacophony of war and the deep silence of suffering, one constant presence offered a glimmer of hope: the Comboni Missionaries. Named after their founder, Saint Daniel Comboni, these Catholic missionaries became more than just religious figures; they were educators, medics, advocates, and, most importantly, a steadfast symbol of solidarity for the South Sudanese people.
The Foundation of a Mission: “Save Africa with Africa”
The Comboni Missionaries’ deep roots in the region predate the modern concept of South Sudan. Arriving in the 19th century, they were inspired by Daniel Comboni’s visionary motto, “Save Africa with Africa.” This philosophy was not one of imposition but of empowerment. They focused on training local clergy, catechists, and community leaders, building a foundation of indigenous strength long before the first shots of the liberation war were fired. This established them not as foreign outsiders, but as integral parts of the social fabric, deeply trusted by the communities they served.
Pillars of Hope During the Armed Struggle
When the second Sudanese civil war (1983-2005) erupted, pitting the predominantly Christian and animist south against the Islamist government in Khartoum, the country descended into unimaginable horror. It was during this darkness that the Comboni Missionaries’ mission evolved into one of lifesaving and soul-saving hope.
- A Presence that Refused to Abandon: As government forces bombed villages and militias ravaged the land, most international aid agencies were expelled or withdrew. The Comboni Missionaries, however, largely stayed. Their decision to remain in mission stations, often in remote and besieged areas like Torit, Rumbek, and Malakal, sent a powerful message: “You are not alone.” This physical presence was a profound psychological and spiritual anchor for a population facing annihilation.
- Bridges to the Outside World: In a conflict characterized by information blackouts and propaganda, the missionaries became crucial witnesses. They documented human rights abuses, famine, and the targeting of civilians. Through their networks, they relayed this information to international bodies like the UN and the Vatican, ensuring that the world could not completely ignore the genocide unfolding in South Sudan. They were the voice for the voiceless.
- Humanitarian Lifelines: Operating often without any support, mission compounds became de facto hospitals, feeding centers, and orphanages. Comboni sisters and priests, with minimal supplies, performed medical procedures, treated war wounds, and alleviated suffering. They ran underground schools under trees, ensuring that an entire generation did not lose its right to education. They distributed seeds and tools to help communities sustain themselves amidst the chaos. Their work was a practical testament to hope in the face of despair.
- Spiritual Sustenance and Peacebuilding: In a war where identity and faith were central to the cause, the Church, led by missionaries and a growing cadre of local clergy, provided a moral compass. They preached forgiveness and reconciliation in a context of deep-seated hatred and trauma. They offered solace to the grieving, buried the dead with dignity, and became mediators in local conflicts, tirelessly working to maintain a sense of humanity and community.
Beyond Liberation: A Hope That Endures
The signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005 and the eventual independence of South Sudan in 2011 were milestones the Comboni Missionaries had prayed and worked for. However, their mission of hope did not end. The new nation was born fragile, and soon descended into a brutal internal conflict in 2013.
Once again, the Comboni Missionaries found themselves at the forefront—sheltering the displaced, advocating for peace, and condemning violence from all sides. They continue to run some of the best schools and health clinics in the country, forming the next generation of South Sudanese leaders who they hope will finally break the cycle of violence.
Conclusion
The Comboni Missionaries were indeed a “great hope” during South Sudan’s armed liberation struggles. Their hope was not a naive optimism but a active, courageous, and compassionate commitment to human dignity. They stood in the gap when institutions failed and the world looked away. They embodied a faith that was not confined to the pulpit but lived in the mud of displaced camps and the desperation of a nation at war. Their legacy is etched into the very soul of South Sudan—a testament to the power of unwavering solidarity and the belief that even in the deepest night, a beacon of hope can endure.
The author is an alumnus of Comboni Secondary School, Juba (CSSJ), and can be reached via email: mununs@gmail.com and mob:0921648879