By Lodu William Odiya
The African Inland Church (AIC) has reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Government of Eastern Equatoria State to promote peace, reconciliation, and social cohesion among communities across the state.
According to the EES press unit, the commitment was made when the Presiding Bishop of AIC, Rev. Clero Onuha, paid a courtesy visit to the Office of the Deputy Governor, who is currently serving as Acting Governor of Eastern Equatoria State, during his visit to Torit.
“The Presiding Bishop emphasised that the church cannot operate effectively without cooperation with the government. He reaffirmed the church’s commitment to working closely with the state government to address challenges facing communities and promote peace and stability,” the statement partly read.
The meeting brought together state government officials and church leaders to discuss the role of the church in peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance, social welfare, and cooperation with the government in addressing challenges affecting communities.
Welcoming the Presiding Bishop, Minister of Animal Resources and Fisheries, Hon. Rev. Angelo Geri, described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen relations between the church and the state government.
State Minister of Gender, Religious and Social Welfare, Hon. Margaret Idwa, also welcomed Rev. Onuha and described his visit as a blessing to the state.
She emphasised the importance of continued engagement between religious institutions and the government in promoting peace, social cohesion, and community welfare.
In his remarks, Rev. Onuha thanked the Government of Eastern Equatoria State for its support of the AIC congregation and its members.
He particularly appreciated the assistance provided to Christians from Torit, who travelled to Juba, saying the support enabled them to safely accomplish their mission.
The Presiding Bishop stressed that the church cannot effectively serve communities without cooperation with government authorities.
He reaffirmed AIC’s readiness to work with the state government in addressing challenges facing communities and promoting peace and stability.
Rev. Onuha said Eastern Equatoria remains generally peaceful despite some isolated challenges, which he said could be addressed through collective efforts involving the government, churches, and communities.
He also commended Governor Louis Lobong Lojore for his continued support of the people and churches of the state, noting that the governor had entrusted him with various missions.
The Bishop highlighted AIC’s humanitarian contribution during years of conflict, particularly in Ikwoto, Hiyala, and Idolu.
He said the church suffered significant losses during the conflict, including the deaths of 12 members and the destruction of two Land Cruisers and two lorries used in humanitarian operations.
He further appreciated the state government for approving the establishment and operation of Grace Radio, an AIC-supported radio station in Torit, saying it provides an important platform for serving communities.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Lobong, the Acting Governor welcomed the AIC delegation and reaffirmed that the government’s doors remain open to churches and faith-based organisations working for the well-being of citizens.
The acting governor said the government recognises the important role churches play in peacebuilding, reconciliation, humanitarian assistance, and community engagement.
He urged religious leaders to continue using their influence to promote forgiveness, unity, and peaceful resolution of conflicts and disputes.
On security, the acting governor said the overall situation in Eastern Equatoria remains generally stable and calm, although isolated incidents continue to affect some communities.
He assured the bishop that the government would work with churches, communities, and security institutions to facilitate peace missions and ensure the safe movement of religious leaders travelling to different areas to engage communities.
The acting governor also raised concern over the worsening food-security situation caused by drought and insufficient rainfall, calling for support from humanitarian organisations, development partners, churches, and other stakeholders.
He said addressing hunger requires a collective response involving government, humanitarian agencies, churches, communities, and development partners.
The meeting ended with both the government and AIC reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation in peacebuilding, humanitarian support, and improving the welfare of communities across Eastern Equatoria State.