 camp, resulted in the death of one person and left a woman severely wounded.){kind=link}
The Bishop of the Tombura-Yambio Catholic Diocese, Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, has strongly condemned a brutal attack on the St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Parish in Tombura, South Sudan. The attack, which targeted both the parish and the nearby Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp, resulted in the death of one person and left a woman severely wounded.
In a statement issued following the attack on December 10, 2024, Bishop Hiiboro described the violence as deeply “heartbreaking” and “reprehensible,” emphasizing the need for peace in the region.
“On the evening of December 10th, a horrific attack took place at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Parish in Tombura,” said Bishop Hiiboro. “Armed assailants opened fire indiscriminately into the IDP camp, killing Mr. Undo and seriously wounding a woman. This act of violence is deeply distressing and utterly unacceptable.”
The Bishop expressed his concern over the ongoing violence in Tombura County, which has escalated in recent years. He condemned the targeting of places of worship, emphasizing their sacred status.
“A church, mosque, hospital, school, or embassy should always be places of refuge, peace, and safety,” Bishop Hiiboro stated. “These sacred spaces are meant to protect the innocent, not to be turned into battlegrounds. The attack on such a holy place is an affront to humanity and a gross violation of basic human dignity.”
Bishop Hiiboro called on those responsible for the violence to repent and seek forgiveness, stressing that peace is the only viable path forward for the region.
“Those who have brought suffering to the people of Tombura must repent and turn away from violence. Only through peace can we hope to rebuild and heal our communities,” he added.
The Bishop also urged the South Sudanese government to take immediate action to protect vulnerable populations, particularly displaced persons. He expressed alarm at the government’s apparent inaction in the face of escalating violence.
“The situation in Tombura has spiraled out of control,” Bishop Hiiboro noted. “The government must restore order and ensure the safety of its citizens, especially those who have already lost so much. I ask, where is the President of South Sudan? Has he heard the cries of the people of Tombura? For three years, violence has plagued this region, and yet there seems to be no action or response from the highest office in the land.”
He continued, questioning the government’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its people: “Is Tombura not part of South Sudan? Is it not the responsibility of the government to protect its citizens from such violence?”
Bishop Hiiboro offered his deepest condolences to the family of the late Mr. James Undo and prayed for the swift and complete recovery of the injured woman. He also expressed solidarity with the remaining displaced persons and extended his support to Fr. Santino Makei, the priest in charge of St. Mary’s Help of Christians Parish.
“We stand with the people of Tombura in this time of crisis,” Bishop Hiiboro said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this tragedy, and we will continue to work towards bringing peace and justice to this region.”