“The Problems of Bishop Hiiboro” Movement for Mindset Change and Social Transformation in South Sudan

By: Emmanuel Mandella

In an extraordinary step toward shaping a new national narrative, the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio has launched an innovative platform titled “The Problems of Bishop Hiiboro”, a TED-style talk initiative designed to spark community dialogue, critical thinking, and practical solutions to South Sudan’s deep-rooted social, moral, cultural, economic, and spiritual challenges.

The platform, pioneered by Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, is not a personal lament but a symbolic expression “The Problems of Bishop Hiiboro” represents the many burdens, dilemmas, and questions faced by ordinary people across the country, and by extension, the shepherds and leaders who journey with them.

“This initiative is not about me as a Bishop. The title symbolizes the voices of the people, the cries we carry in our communities. I only lend my name to inspire courage,” Bishop Hiiboro said during the emotional and thought-provoking launch event. “We need a space where people can speak truthfully, imagine freely, and act boldly with their minds illuminated by faith, culture, and lived experience.”

Inspired by the globally renowned TED Talk format, each session will feature powerful presentations under 18 minutes delivered by students, youth, cultural leaders, religious voices, educators, professionals, and even market women and farmers. The topics will range from peacebuilding and entrepreneurship to education, ethics, innovation, gender, leadership, and healing in a post-conflict society.

Why “The Problems of Bishop Hiiboro”?

The name is deliberately provocative and poetic meant to attract curiosity, provoke conscience, and inspire change. In the words of the Bishop:

“When a Bishop has a problem, it is not his alone it is the community’s reflection. And when a community hurts, the Church feels it. This name reflects shared pain, shared hope, and shared responsibility.”

The Bishop emphasized that the name is temporary and will evolve as the platform matures and takes on a more inclusive and permanent identity.

Objectives of the Platform includes Mindset Transformation to challenge passive thinking and promote a culture of ideas, creativity, and proactive solutions.

Youth Empowerment will give a voice to the new generation as key actors in nation-building, Faith-Driven Civic Dialogue that will root national discussions in moral, ethical, and spiritual principles.

However, there will be a Community Innovation to uncover local ideas that can address poverty, conflict, education gaps, and moral decline, not only that, there will also be Nationwide Impact to scale up from a diocesan initiative to a national civic transformation movement.

Meanwhile, looking at the benefits to the Nation and Society it will provides a platform for authentic grassroots voices, builds a culture of problem-solving over blame-shifting.

Encourages inter-generational dialogue and storytelling, promotes faith-based and culturally-rooted solutions to local challenges, and nurtures a generation of local thought leaders committed to peace, dignity, and human development.

Fr. Bagbiowia Thomas, Vicar General of the Diocese, hailed the initiative as a historic and visionary step

“This is an awakening for intellectuals, professionals, and the educated class. Our diplomas must now translate into community impact. Our knowledge must serve healing.”

Participants at the launch from government officials to educators, students, clergy, civil society, and traditional authorities expressed excitement and ownership of the idea.

“This is not just a platform it is a movement of hope, honesty, and action,” said Dr. Mande Daniel, a university lecturer. “For once, we are asked to think critically and speak boldly about our future.”

The state Minister of Housing, Land and Public Utilities, Engineer Renzi, expressed joy on the launch of this platform as engine for solutions of every kind.  

State Advisor on Peace and Security, Col. Bati Samuel, called for personal and local responsibility citing that.

“We can’t wait for outsiders to fix our problems. This platform reminds us that the change begins in the family, in the heart, in the mind and in the community.”

Looking Ahead, as Bishop Hiiboro concluded the launch with the powerful rallying cry “Be the beginning of change in South Sudan!” it became clear that this is more than a talk series. It is a people’s movement, a spiritual and intellectual revolution driven by the belief that South Sudan can rise through its own wisdom, faith, and courage.

The official name of the platform will change after its initial rollout, reflecting its growing national ownership and expanded vision beyond the symbolic burdens of one bishop, into the collective dreams of a people seeking transformation.