As South Sudan struggles with continued violence and a humanitarian crisis, Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Diocese of Tombura Yambio urges the faithful to embrace Lent as a season of spiritual rebirth, reconciliation, and solidarity.
By Sr. Christine Masivo, CPS
South Sudan, the youngest nation in the world, continues to suffer from decades of conflict, instability, armed violence, and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
The brutal civil war that began in 1955 and lasted until 2005 evolved into fresh internal strife after independence from Sudan in 2011, fueled by clashes between key leaders from 2013 to 2018. This is when the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict (R-ARCSS) was signed.
The historic step towards self-determination after independence has been overshadowed by cycles of conflicts, political fragility, and suffering for the population of 12 million people.
Humanitarian conditon worsens
According to the Vatican’s Fides news agency, recent conflicts between the government and opposition groups have intensified in the northern and central regions of the country since late December 2025.
A UNICEF report highlights a high toll in Jonglei State alone, where at least 280,000 people, mostly women and children, have fled their homes, facing risks of death, injury, or forced recruitment by armed groups.
A worsening food crisis is spreading in the vulnerable communities, and health systems are struggling to respond to the outbreak of cholera and malaria as a result of overcrowded campsites and limited access to clean water and medical care.
Humanitarian organizations warn that without sustained political stability and increased international support, conditions could deteriorate further in the coming months.
Southe Sudan war and humanitarian condition worsening (AFP or licensors)
Bishop Kussala’s Lenten appeal of hope and action
Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala issued his Lenten message on February 16, calling for peace, healing, and renewed moral responsibility.
“Our diocese faces challenges of hatred, tribal divisions, manipulation of the youth, betrayal, targeted violence, forced divorces, poverty, and diseases affecting our communities,” the Bishop said.
Bishop Hiiboro urged the faithful to commit themselves to reconciliation and solidarity and called on communities to reject division and violence, restore broken relationships, and extend concrete support for the vulnerable.
His appeal underscores the critical role of faith leadership in promoting dialogue and fostering hope as South Sudan as a nation searches for lasting peace.
