(YEI) – A leading South Sudanese bishop has called on the nation to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela by embracing unity, reconciliation, and shared national identity, particularly as the country continues its journey through post conflict recovery.
Speaking on the occasion of Nelson Mandela International Day, Bishop Hillary Adeba of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, Diocese of Yei, urged both political leaders and ordinary citizens to rise above ethnic divisions and put the country’s peace and future first.
In an interview with Radio Miraya, Bishop Adeba reflected on Mandela’s long struggle against apartheid in South Africa and his later efforts to unify a deeply divided nation. He said these values offer powerful lessons for South Sudan, where years of civil war have left deep ethnic and political rifts.
“Let us learn a lesson from Nelson Mandela,” Bishop Adeba said. “We have succeeded in liberating ourselves, but let us now unite every tribe, even if they are a very small minority. If we begin to identify ourselves according to tribes, such a nation will never survive.”
He warned against the pattern seen in some countries where former liberation leaders become isolated from the people and dominate power at the expense of national unity.
“We should not follow the example of liberators who, after victory, isolate themselves and take everything, forgetting the nation belongs to everyone,” he added.
Nelson Mandela International Day is observed every year on 18 July to honour the former South African president’s contribution to peace, justice, and reconciliation. The United Nations officially declared the day in 2009. This year’s global theme, “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities,” is particularly relevant in South Sudan, which continues to face multiple humanitarian, social, and political challenges.
| Mandela Day 2025 | Theme |
|---|---|
| Date | 18 July 2025 |
| Global Theme | Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Communities |
| Relevance to South Sudan | Need for unity, post-conflict healing, inclusive governance |
South Sudan is still recovering from the effects of a civil war that erupted in 2013 and led to mass displacement, economic decline, and ongoing political instability. Though a peace deal was signed in 2018 and a transitional government formed in 2020, efforts to establish a permanent constitution and hold national elections remain incomplete.
Bishop Adeba’s message echoed growing public calls for more inclusive leadership, national healing, and dialogue at all levels of society. Many South Sudanese see Mandela’s model of forgiveness, humility, and public service as a necessary example for leaders to follow as the country looks toward the future.
His remarks come at a time when ethnic identity continues to influence political alliances and public life in South Sudan. Observers warn that without deliberate efforts to promote unity, the country risks repeating past mistakes.
In the spirit of Mandela Day, civil society groups, religious institutions, and youth networks across the country also held small events to promote peace, volunteerism and dialogue. However, ongoing insecurity in some regions has limited broader participation.
