South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit recently traveled to Kwajok, a town in the northwestern region of the country, to attend celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Catholic Church in the area. The event was a significant moment for the Catholic community in South Sudan and highlighted the important role that the church has played in the country’s history.
The Catholic Church has a long history in South Sudan, with the first missionaries arriving in the region in the late 19th century. Over the years, the church has played a vital role in providing education, healthcare, and other social services to the people of South Sudan. The church has also been a vocal advocate for peace and reconciliation in the country, particularly during times of conflict.
President Kiir’s presence at the anniversary celebrations was a recognition of the important role that the Catholic Church has played in South Sudan’s history. In his remarks at the event, Kiir praised the church for its contributions to education, healthcare, and other areas, and he emphasized the need for continued cooperation between the government and the church.
The event was also an opportunity for Kiir to address some of the challenges facing South Sudan, particularly the ongoing conflict in the country. Kiir called for an end to the violence and for all parties to engage in dialogue to find a peaceful solution to the conflict. He also pledged to work with the Catholic Church and other stakeholders to address the humanitarian crisis in the country, which has left millions of people in need of assistance.
The Catholic Church has been a vocal critic of the Kiir government in the past, particularly with regard to human rights abuses and corruption. However, the anniversary celebrations were a moment of reconciliation between the church and the government, highlighting the importance of cooperation and dialogue in achieving peace and stability in the country.