Historic Torit Prayer Season
Seventy days of nationwide prayer concluded in Torit, commemorating the 1955 mutiny that ignited South Sudan’s first civil war. The South Sudan Council of Churches gathered worshippers under the theme “Fulfil Your Good Promises, Oh Lord,” blending historical remembrance with hopes for stability.
Governor Lobong’s Call for Quiet Counsel
Governor Louis Lobong praised the campaign as a sacred space for unity and forgiveness, yet cautioned church leaders against pulpit rebukes. He argued that confidential meetings in offices or homes encourage officials to listen, while public sermons risk hardening ears and deepening political trenches.
Church Response and Public Sentiment
Several clerics welcomed the invitation, noting that scripture prizes reconciliation over confrontation. Reverend Helen Luka said privately engaging leaders ‘mirrors Matthew 18,’ while students in Torit University stressed the need for transparency, suggesting balanced forums combining closed-door talks with periodic public updates.
Regional Implications for Peace
Analysts in Juba view Lobong’s message as part of a broader effort to prepare communities for the pending 2024 ceasefire review. Quiet diplomacy, they report, often defuses local grievances before they ripple into regional conflicts, complementing national initiatives backed by IGAD and the African Union.
Looking Ahead
With elections expected in late 2026, faith-based engagement could shape campaign rhetoric and voter confidence. Observers predict that sustained church-state dialogue may reduce inflammatory language, helping the Transitional Government meet benchmarks and reassuring donors wary of renewed instability.