Primate Justin Badi Arama addresses residents during the Ibba Day celebrations in Ibba County|Courtesy

IBBA, Western Equatoria State (Eye Radio) — The Primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS), His Grace Justin Badi Arama, has renewed his call for national reconciliation, describing it as the essential pathway toward national development, including the construction of schools and hospitals.

Speaking during a prayer service at St. Barnaba Cathedral in Ibba County, Western Equatoria State, His Grace Arama encouraged young people and political leaders to renounce violence and embrace dialogue as the sole means of resolving outstanding grievances and fostering a united nation.

In his sermon, the Primate expressed his hope that 2026 would mark a turning point for the country, moving away from a cycle of conflict toward a future of mutual forgiveness.

“We want to see South Sudan this year being a country where there is real and true reconciliation, peace, and forgiveness,” His Grace Arama stated.

“We want to see all the bloodshed and violence in different parts of South Sudan coming to an end. People should work for peace and embrace one another as brothers and sisters.”

Joining the Primate in Ibba, the National Minister of Youth and Sports, Mary Nawai, urged the youth to take up the mantle of peacebuilding within their respective communities.

She emphasised that the “disadvantages of war” have long hindered the country’s progress and that sustainable development is impossible without stability.

“We are here to pass a message to the South Sudanese: Let us denounce violence. Let us say enough is enough for war,” Minister Nawai told the congregation.

“Let us give peace a chance. We have seen the advantage of peace and the disadvantage of war. Let us embrace the spirit of peace because we need development.”

The Sunday service brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including senior church leaders, government representatives, and youth groups.

The gathering served as a unified platform to advocate for national unity and a collective effort to rebuild the nation’s social fabric.

As South Sudan navigates a complex political landscape, the messages from both the pulpit and the government in Ibba underscore a growing consensus that peace is the primary requirement for the country’s long-term prosperity.