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“Deeply heartbreaking”: Bishop in South Sudan Condemns “horrific attack” on Catholic Parish, Urges Repentance

Jude Atemanke

By Jude Atemanke

Tombura-Yambio, 12 December, 2024 / 9:53 pm (ACI Africa).

Bishop Edward Hiiboro Kussala of South Sudan’s Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY) has condemned the December 10 attack on St. Mary Help of Christians Parish of his Episcopal See.

In a Thursday, December 12 statement he shared with ACI Africa, Bishop Hiboro says that the attack, which resulted in a death and injury is “deeply heartbreaking”.

“On the evening of December 10th, 2024, a horrific attack took place at the St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Parish in Tombura, South Sudan. Armed individuals opened fire indiscriminately into the displaced persons' camp, tragically killing Mr. James Undo and severely wounding a woman,” he recounts.

“This act of violence is deeply heartbreaking and reprehensible,” the South Sudanese Catholic Bishop says, adding, “This violence is unjustifiable and must never happen again. I call on those responsible to repent, seek forgiveness from God, and turn away from violence. The path of peace is the only way forward.”

He continues, “The attack on such a holy place is an affront to humanity and a direct violation of basic human dignity. I unequivocally condemn this brutal act of aggression, which has taken the life of an innocent person and left others traumatized and injured.”

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Bishop Hiiboro appeals to South Sudan’s government to ensure the protection of citizens, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

“I also urge the government of South Sudan to provide immediate protection for vulnerable populations, especially the displaced. The situation in Tombura County has spiraled out of control, and it is the government's duty to restore order and ensure the safety of its citizens,” he says.

Bishop Hiiboro goes on to extend his “heartfelt condolences” to the family of Mr. Undo and expresses his spiritual solidarity with family of the injured women, for whom he says he is praying for her recovery. 

“I also express my solidarity and support to the remaining displaced persons (IDPs) and, above all, to Fr. Santino Makuei, the Priest in charge of the parish. May God give them strength in these difficult times,” he says. 

In his statement, the 60-year-old Catholic Bishop, who has been at the helm of CDTY since his Episcopal Ordination in June 2008 calls for respect for places of worship and institutions.

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“A church, mosque, hospital, school, and embassy are sacred grounds – places of refuge, peace, and safety. These spaces are meant to protect the innocent, not to become targets of violence,” he says.

Bishop Hiiboro continues, “It is deeply troubling that such tragic events continue to unfold with little response from the government.”

“Where is the President of the Republic of South Sudan? Has he heard the cries of the people of Tombura? Three years of violence in Tombura County, and yet, there seems to be no action or concern from the highest office in the land. Is Tombura not part of South Sudan? Is this not the responsibility of the government to protect its own people?” Bishop Hiiboro laments. .

On the day of the attack, Bishop Hiiboro and Gabriel Cardinal Zubeir Wako celebrated Holy Mass at the parish, demonstrating solidarity with the IDPs. 

During the Holy Mass, Bishop Hiiboro recalls in his December 12 statement shared with ACI Africa, Cardinal Zubeir Wako spoke “powerfully about the sanctity of human life and the need for peace”

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He says the Cardinal “urged the people to refrain from hatred, violence, and division, and to instead embrace forgiveness and reconciliation.”

“We are all children of God, and we must live as such – peacefully, in love, and in unity. I had invited Cardinal Zubeir to bless our Diocese, especially Tombura, and to call for an end to communal violence,” Bishop Hiiboro says.

Being in Advent Season, he goes on to say, “let us heed the message of peace and reconciliation.”

“This is a season of preparing our hearts for the birth of our Saviour, who came to bring peace to the world. Let us all take responsibility for building peace in our communities, in our country, and in our hearts,” Bishop Hiiboro says in his December 12 message he shared with ACI Africa.

Jude Atemanke

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.