Ibba Prayer Service Highlights National Reconciliation
In Ibba County, Western Equatoria State, the Primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS), His Grace Justin Badi Arama, renewed his appeal for national reconciliation, presenting it as a practical route to national development, including improved access to schools and hospitals.
ECSS Primate Badi Links Dialogue to Development
Addressing worshippers at St. Barnaba Cathedral, His Grace Arama urged young people and political leaders to renounce violence and prioritise dialogue as the preferred channel for settling grievances. He framed reconciliation as a cornerstone for building a more united South Sudan.
In remarks centred on the year ahead, the Primate said he hoped 2026 would represent a shift away from repeated conflict and toward mutual forgiveness. “We want to see South Sudan this year being a country where there is real and true reconciliation, peace, and forgiveness,” he said (Eye Radio).
Call to End Violence Across South Sudan
His Grace Arama also appealed for an end to bloodshed in different parts of the country, urging communities to embrace peace and social cohesion. “We want to see all the bloodshed and violence in different parts of South Sudan coming to an end,” he stated (Eye Radio).
Youth and Sports Minister Mary Nawai Urges Peacebuilding
National Minister of Youth and Sports Mary Nawai, who joined the visit, directed her message to young people, calling on them to take a leading role in peacebuilding within their communities. She argued that conflict has constrained progress and that stability is essential for sustainable development.
“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, adding: “Let us give peace a chance” (Eye Radio).
Stakeholders Unite in Ibba Around Peace Agenda
The Sunday service drew senior church leaders, government representatives, and youth groups, reflecting a multi-stakeholder approach to social cohesion. Participants used the gathering as a shared platform to advocate for unity and collective efforts to rebuild the nation’s social fabric.
As South Sudan continues to navigate a complex political landscape, messages delivered from both the pulpit and government officials in Ibba pointed to a converging view that peace remains the primary requirement for long-term prosperity (Eye Radio).