It’s time to build a nation – Bishop Carlassare urges renewal in South Sudan

Rumbek, Fr. Luka Dor Aghoor Dor  – Bishop of South Sudan’s Diocese of Bentiu and Apostolic Administrator of Rumbek, Most Rev. Christian Carlassare has called on citizens and leaders of South Sudan to recommit to building a nation rooted in peace, justice and dignity.

He said this in a pastoral message issued on the country’s 14th independence anniversary on 9 July 2025.

Reflecting on the journey since 2011, he said: “Independence gave us a country, but it is up to us to build a nation: a nation rooted in justice, unity, peace, and prosperity.”

The Bishop, however, did not shy away from naming the stark realities still facing the country. “We cannot shy away from the challenges we still face,” he wrote. “People carry deep scars, wounds, and traumas because of past conflict and communal violence. People have difficulty rising and standing with confidence because of the economic restraints.”

The Prelate painted a sobering picture of displacement, poverty, and institutional collapse. “Too many citizens still lack access to basic services—healthcare, education, and clean water,” he said. He noted that South Sudan’s GDP per capita in 2025 has ranked it the poorest country in the world, despite its natural wealth. “Yet, the country has all the resources to do much better than that, provided there is peace and reliable institutions.”

The message, deeply pastoral in tone, moved from critique to hope urging citizens to celebrate the anniversary with “pride” for past struggles, “humility” for present trials, and “hope” for the future.

He offered particular encouragement to the youth and women of South Sudan. “Hope in the strength of the youth, who have great dreams for their life and want to live in a peaceful nation. Hope in the resilience of the women of South Sudan, who carry communities even in the hardest times.”

The Bishop also warned that peace must move beyond rhetoric. “We must embrace peace not as an abstract idea – we so often speak of peace, but then make war – we must indeed embrace peace as a daily commitment,” he said, calling for integrity, truth, dialogue and disarmament.

He also urged leaders to prioritise good governance ahead of national elections, stressing the need for transparency and national unity. “All people must be honest in their own office and work, exercising leadership to serve fellow citizens… Corruption undermines the very foundation of our freedom.”

Bishop Carlassare insisted that national identity must come before tribal or regional affiliations. “It is South Sudan, not Yirol, Warrap, Gogrial, Twic, Ruweng, Bul Nuär, Bor, Duk, Fangak, Akobo or Nassir – friends and enemies. It is all South Sudan.”