(BENTIU) – The Catholic Bishop of Bentiu, Christian Carlassare has called on citizens to embrace peace not just in theory, but in daily life through honest, practical actions grounded in Christian values.
In a statement issued ahead of the Independence Day celebrations, Bishop Carlassare urged South Sudanese people to reject the tendency to talk about peace while simultaneously contributing to conflict. He stressed that peace must become a lived experience, reflected in ethical behaviour, fairness and commitment to the common good.
“All people must be honest in their own office work, exercising leadership to serve fellow citizens and seeking the common good of the entire nation rather than favouring one group,” the bishop said.
“We often speak of peace…but then we make war. Peace must not remain an abstract concept, but something we live and build together day by day.”
His remarks come at a time when the country continues to face insecurity and intercommunal violence, particularly between factions of the South Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) and government forces of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF). These tensions have resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands displaced in recent months.
The bishop encouraged Christians and the wider population to promote peace through sincere communication, mutual trust, responsible leadership and service to one another.
“Corruption undermines the very foundation of our freedom. Institutions must be strengthened,” he added, in what appeared to be a direct criticism of weak governance and misuse of public resources.
With the country’s next general elections expected in 2026, Bishop Carlassare also urged citizens and leaders alike to begin preparing for peaceful, fair and credible polls. He emphasised that the vote must not become another cause of division or violence, but an opportunity to shape South Sudan’s future.
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