Dec 2–3, 2025 | Curia, Catholic Diocese of Tombura–Yambio (CDTY)
Theme: “The Youth Who Build Peace, Build the Future”
YAMBIO — Youth delegates from all ten counties of Western Equatoria State gathered at the Curia of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura–Yambio (CDTY) for a two-day Intergenerational Youth Peace Dialogue, a workshop aimed at strengthening youth leadership in peacebuilding and fostering cooperation across communities.
The event brought together government officials, traditional authorities, civil society leaders, representatives of the Azande Kingdom, elders, and the Mayor of Yambio Municipality. Organized in partnership with the National Ministry of Peace Building, the workshop focused on equipping young people with the values, skills, and confidence needed to drive sustainable peace in the region.
In his opening address, Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala thanked the Ministry of Peace Building and commended Mr. William Tambua, the diocesan coordinator for Justice and Peace and Youth Minister, for leading the initiative. He emphasized that the gathering was “not just a meeting, but a movement — a movement led by youth, sustained by youth, and enriched by the wisdom of elders.”
Key Message: Peace Begins Within
Bishop Hiiboro urged young people to cultivate self-respect and a positive self-image, noting that internal insecurity often pushes youth toward violence or tribal divisions.
“Youth must reclaim the truth: ‘I am capable, I am valuable, I am part of the solution,’” he said. “When you honor your own dignity, you honor others.”
Addressing Tribal Tensions
The bishop spoke openly about why many youths fall back on tribal identity, citing weak development, fragile rule of law, and unequal opportunities. He emphasized that tribe itself is not the enemy — but using tribe as a shield for insecurity or a weapon for conflict is dangerous.
He called on young people to rise confidently as South Sudanese first.
Peace and Development as One
“Peace is development, and development is peace,” Bishop Hiiboro stressed, highlighting how stability attracts investment, creates jobs, and reduces violence. Development, he noted, is not only infrastructure but dignity, opportunity and equality.
Healing and Unity Across Communities
Participants were encouraged to promote intergenerational healing through dialogue, storytelling, truth-telling, and traditional reconciliation.
The bishop urged youth to become “architects of unity” through shared activities such as sports tournaments, cultural festivals, inter-school exchanges, mixed business ventures and agriculture cooperatives.
“When money flows across tribes, peace flows across hearts,” he said.
Promoting Positive Values and Responsible Speech
The workshop addressed the dangers of hate speech, stereotypes and divisive language. Youth were encouraged to speak responsibly and defend members of other communities.
“Our words are seeds; plant peace, harvest peace,” Bishop Hiiboro said.
He also encouraged young people to uphold valuable cultural traditions—respect, hospitality, truth and solidarity—while rejecting harmful practices such as revenge killings and forced marriages.
Youth Empowerment and Education
The bishop underscored the importance of economic empowerment, innovation, technology, and vocational skills. He urged youths not to wait for government support but to create opportunities themselves.
Participants were also encouraged to strengthen peace education in schools, parishes, mosques and community centers, including training in mediation, negotiation, trauma awareness and critical thinking.
Women and Elders as Key Partners
The dialogue highlighted that peace requires cooperation across generations and the full participation of women and girls.
“Elders carry memory, youth carry energy — together they carry destiny,” he said.
A Call to Action
In closing, Bishop Hiiboro reminded participants that the future of South Sudan rests in their hands.
“Your choices will determine whether South Sudan rises or falls. Peace is not far away — peace is you, peace is now, and peace is the work of your hands,” he concluded.
The workshop ended with renewed commitment from all participants to continue promoting peace, healing, and development across Western Equatoria State.
