By Bosco Bush
The Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Juba, Santo Loku Pio, has cautioned politicians against interfering in the internal affairs of the Bari Community Association (BCA).
Bishop Pio’s call came during a Thanksgiving prayer event held at the Bari Community Center on Saturday, August 10. The event was organized to celebrate the successful medical treatment of Gen. Alfred Lodu Gore abroad.
Senior government officials, including Vice President Dr. James Wani Igga, were present at the gathering.
In his remarks, Bishop Pio appealed to politicians to refrain from politicizing the community-based discussions and activities of the BCA.
Bishop Santo Loku Pio expressed disappointment over the initial closure of BCA in February 2023, adding that the centre offers a platform where the community discusses issues that affect them including land disputes.
He said politicians should not meddle in community matters to avoid curses.
“You politicians, you should not interfere with community matters in order to avoid curses. Every community matter should belong to the community because meddling in community matters is not good before God,” Pio cautioned.
Pio further stressed that all the issues being discussed at the BC center are local and community based that require appropriate solutions not political confusion.
In February 2023, former Juba County Commissioner, Charles Joseph Wani directed the closure of BCA – accusing its members of causing disorder during a memorial of Late. Lawmaker Alfred Keri.
The ex-county official also directed the Boma Executive Chiefs and the Head of Chiefs of the Payams to take charge of BCA.
However, months later, after he was relieved from office, his successor, Emmanuel Tete Ezbon, reversed the closure with Local Order No: 2/2024.
The Order also directed the BC Executive, the BC Council and the Bari Community Youth Association (BCYA) to return and resume their normal duties at the Center.
The latest order further suspended the caretaker committee of the chiefs that was handed over to the administration of the Bari Community Association.