Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro (R) greeting President Salva Kiir in Juba, Nov 25, 2024 Photo Credit: PPU

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tambura-Yambio in Western Equatoria State is calling for an end to the violence in Tambura and urging the government to intervene and protect civilians.

On 11^th December, gunmen opened fire at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at St. Mary Parish Tambura, resulting in one dead, a woman and her child wounded.

In a statement dated 12 December 2024 shared with Eye Radio, Bishop Edwardo Hiiboro condemned the incident, describing the attack on the church as an affront to humanity and a direct violation of basic human dignity.

According to him the situation in Tambura “spiralled out of control” and called on the government to provide immediate protection for vulnerable populations, especially the displaced persons.

“A church, mosque, hospital, school, and embassy are sacred grounds places of refuge, peace, and safety. These spaces are meant to protect the innocent, not to become targets of violence,” stated the clergy.

“The attack on such holy places is an affront to humanity and a direct violation of basic human dignity. I also urge the government of South Sudan to provide immediate protection for vulnerable populations, especially the displaced,” he stated.

“It is deeply troubling that such tragic events continue to unfold with little response from the government. Three years of violence in Tombura County, and yet, there seems to be no action or concern from the highest office in the land,” Bishop Edwardo Hiiboro.

Last week, Western Equatoria governor Alfred Futuyo formed a 30-member committee to investigate the causes of the inter-communal conflicts in Tambura which have claimed many lives.

This came after the official raised what he called grave concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the state’s most volatile area.