Bishop Alex Lodiong of the Catholic Diocese of Yei has called on government and opposition forces to prioritise dialogue over violence in the wake of the recent fighting in Lasu Parish on the outskirts of Yei Town in Central Equatoria State. The skirmish, which occurred early on Saturday morning, caused panic and displacement among locals.
During an annual pastoral visit in Lasu, Bishop Lodiong emphasised the importance of peaceful resolution. He highlighted the joyful celebrations that took place over the weekend, with more than 200 children receiving their First Holy Communion and another 200 parishioners being confirmed during the Feast of the Assumption.
Despite the festive atmosphere, the celebrations were marred by heavy gunfire at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, as rebel fighters overtook two detachments of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces in Lasu and Libugo.
The bishop recounted how residents, including young children, sought refuge in the bushes and inside the church to escape the violence. He expressed concern for the wellbeing of the children, noting the difficulties they faced in the chaos.
While no civilians were killed, Bishop Lodiong highlighted the emotional toll of the conflict, particularly on families who were separated during the chaos. He commended government forces for showing restraint and avoiding civilian casualties.
Bishop Lodiong reiterated his stance against armed conflict as a solution to South Sudan’s challenges, advocating for dialogue as the path to peace. He urged both government and opposition forces to reject violence and embrace peaceful negotiations for the betterment of the country.
In his closing remarks, the bishop emphasised the destructive nature of guns and the importance of communication in resolving conflicts. He urged all parties to let their voices, not weapons, be the means of resolving issues.
