By Yiep Joseph
Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Liwolo, Rt. Rev. Joseph Aba, has called on the government and holdout groups to commit to Nairobi talks in order to achieve inclusive peace.
In his New Year Message, echoing the voices of refugees in Uganda, the bishop called on the politicians to commit to compromises in order to end the suffering of the people due to the absence of peace.
Bishop Aba further called for compromise to give peace a chance.
“We urge the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) and the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOMA) to make bold compromises to end the suffering of the people,” the bishop said in the statement.
He expressed that the parties negotiating the peace agreement have the power to delay and destroy the ongoing efforts to bring peace.
The bishop added that due to prolonged conflict, the citizens continue to suffer, citing that there is a need for the parties and politicians to compromise and end the suffering of the people.
“You (Parties) have the power to either prolong this suffering or to bring it to an end,” he said.
“Remember, peace is not just the absence of war; it embodies justice and reconciliation and harmony. To foster peace, we must forgive and reconcile,” he added.
He urged the South Sudan to strengthen local governance while empowering people at the grassroots in order to mediate conflicts with hope to achieve peace.
He called on the parties to end armed conflicts and commit to implementing agreements for stability at the grassroots level.
The bishop called on South Sudanese to continue to pray to God to open a new chapter for peace in South Sudan.
The bishop concluded it with prayers. “Almighty God, we lift up South Sudan before You. We confess our struggles, but we also proclaim your promises. May 2025 be a year of revival and restoration. Guide our leaders, heal our people, and fill our land with your peace and justice. In Jesus’ name.”