By Ginaba Lino
The Bishop of Bentiu and Apostolic Administrator of Rumbek, Bishop Christian Carlassare, has sent warm Independence Day wishes to the people of South Sudan, alongside a strong message urging national unity, good governance, and inclusive peace efforts.
In his Independence Day message, Bishop Carlassare emphasized the need for peace, disarmament, and justice as pillars of true independence:
“So, how do we celebrate independence? First, we must invest in peace. All people must be committed to peace, to disarmament, to nonviolence. Of course, peace demands truth and accountability as well. Healing cannot begin without justice. Let us support national dialogue and reconciliation efforts that include all people of South Sudan from every community.”
He stressed the importance of ethical leadership and governance that serves all, not just a few:
“We must commit to good governance. All people must be honest in their own office and work, exercising leadership to serve fellow citizens, looking for the common good of the entire nation rather than only one group.”
The bishop lamented the lack of access to basic services since independence:
“Too many citizens still lack access to basic services—healthcare, education, and clean water. South Sudan is currently ranked as the world’s poorest country by GDP per capita in 2025. Yet the country has all the resources to do much better—if there is peace and functioning institutions.”
He called for the empowerment of youth and universal access to education:
“Education is not a privilege—it is a right. Every child must have the opportunity to learn. Youth must be part of the solution, not sidelined or manipulated for sordid interests.”
Bishop Carlassare concluded his message with hope and a reminder of the significance of the day:
“Independence is not a destination. It is a journey we must walk together—with hope, with patience, and with determination… It is a powerful reminder of the resilience, courage, and unity that brought South Sudan into existence. Let us renew our commitment to build a peaceful, inclusive, and just country where every citizen feels safe and has the opportunity to thrive.”