By Emmanuel Mandella

Tension has gripped the community of St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Parish in Tombura County in Western Equatoria State, following a second brutal killing within its sacred grounds.

The latest victim, Mr. Paul Tamania, a respected youth leader and Coordinator of the Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CODEP), was gunned down in what has been described as a cowardly and calculated assassination.

The incident, which comes just five months after the cold-blooded killing of a parish choir leader on December 13, 2024, has sparked outrage and heartbreak across the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio and beyond.

In a strongly worded statement, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, His Lordship Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, condemned the violence in the harshest terms possible, declaring the church grounds “no battleground” and demanding urgent government intervention.

“These continued attacks on innocent lives are utterly unacceptable they are deeply immoral and must stop now,” said Bishop Hiiboro. “The Church is not a battleground it is a holy place, a refuge where people come to find God’s peace, not the cruelty of man.”

St. Mary’s Parish has been a critical shelter for thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) over the past three years fleeing violence only to be met with more tragedy within the sanctuary they hoped would protect them.

“That such a sanctuary is violated by acts of murder is a grave sin and a wound to our collective humanity,” the Bishop declared, his voice heavy with grief.

The late Tamania was widely admired for his leadership among the youth and his commitment to peace and development through the Church. His death not only robs the community of a young change-maker but further shatters the fragile peace in Tombura County.

Bishop Hiiboro extended condolences to Tamania’s family, the clergy of St. Mary’s Parish—Fr. Mark Kumbonyeki, Fr. Santino Makuei, and Fr. Zaravazio—and the broader Tombura Christian community.

Bishop pleaded with the perpetrators, “You are not serving your people or your cause; you are destroying your brothers. Choose peace. Lay down your arms.”

Also, he issued a passionate appeal to the Government of South Sudan to act with urgency.

“Bring the perpetrators to justice. Restore peace and security to this region. Rescue your people. It is your solemn duty to protect the lives and dignity of all citizens.”

Quoting Psalm 116:15—“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful ones”—and Pope Francis’s words on peace, Bishop Hiiboro cautioned against revenge and retaliation, urging instead for mercy, justice, and reconciliation.

The killing of Paul Tamania has become a symbol of the escalating violence in what should be safe spaces. With church compounds now turning into grounds of sorrow, the call for peace has never been more desperate or more urgent.