By Emmanuel Mandella

Bishop for the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, His Lordship Eduardo Hiiboro Kussal has condemned the brutal killing of South Sudanese in Sudan but cautioned citizens against revenging on Sudanese living in the country.

“We are horrified by the brutality committed against our brothers and sisters in Sudan. Images of the massacre have shocked us deeply, and it is disappointing to witness such hostility between two sisterly countries that once shared a common history,” Bishop Hiiboro said.

The massacre, carried out by unidentified perpetrators, has fueled anger among the South Sudanese.

While extending his heartfelt condolences, Bishop Hiiboro urged the Sudan and South Sudan governments to act decisively to investigate the incident.

However, the cleric condemned the retaliatory actions by South Sudanese citizens targeting Sudanese nationals living in Juba and other parts of the country.

“Revenge is not justice, taking the law into our own hands only worsens our suffering. Our nation is diverse, and targeting people based on appearance or ethnicity is unacceptable. We must remember that our children live in other countries how would we feel if they were attacked for crimes they did not commit?” he warned.

He urged South Sudanese to refrain from violence and called for a return to the Christian values of forgiveness, reconciliation, and patience.

“In times of difficulty, Christians pray, let us pray for wisdom, guidance, and better decisions. Let us contribute to stabilizing our nation with love and peace rather than anger and revenge,” he emphasized.

However, Western Equatoria State was among the five states that did not report any kind of violence against the Sudanese nationals. “Peace is our path forward, we must consolidate our nation, uphold the rule of law, and contribute positively to our country’s growth. Violence only weakens us. Let love and tolerance guide us so that peace may prevail in our Republic,” he said