The Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio has issued an official statement vehemently denying recent allegations circulating on social media accusing the Diocese and its bishop, His Lordship Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, of involvement in arms trafficking to support conflict in Tombura County.
In what church officials describe as baseless and malicious propaganda, social media reports claim that a vehicle belonging to the bishop was intercepted by National Security Services (NSS) while transporting weapons from Juba to Yambio. The unverified reports allege that the vehicle was found carrying nine boxes of AK-47 ammunition and eight boxes of PKM bullets.
In a statement signed by Reverend Dominic Sasa, Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, the Diocese categorically rejected the accusations as false, dangerous, and damaging not only to the Church but also to peace efforts in the region.
“We categorically reject these baseless and malicious claims. Our Diocese and bishop are nationally and internationally recognized for their steadfast commitment to peace, reconciliation, education, healing, and development, the statement reads”.
The Diocese warned that such propaganda undermines decades of tireless work by religious institutions toward peacebuilding and reconciliation in conflict-ridden Western Equatoria and beyond.
“We cannot and will never be part of such illegal and destructive activities, the statement added”
The Diocese also expressed concern over what it described as the misuse of the name and credibility of the National Security Services in Yambio. It stressed that matters of national security must remain in the hands of lawful authorities and not be politicized or manipulated through irresponsible rumors.
Reverend Sasa emphasized the dangers of misinformation and the weaponization of social media, particularly in a fragile context like South Sudan, which continues to grapple with tribal conflict and inter-communal violence.
