By Fr. Elario Zambakari.
The Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, South Sudan, held its first ever Synod preliminary convention in the Diocesan Palica, Nzara, Gbudue state.
The historic convention under the theme “WE ARE A FAMILY OF GOD’SPEOPLE! A PARTICIPATORY SERVANT OF THE CHURCH” brought together the priests, religious and the laity from all the deaneries of the diocese. While opening the convention, His Lordship Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio thanked the assembled participants for their sacrifice and commitment towards realizing the dream of the diocese of its first synod. H
His Lordship added that the synod discussions is a defining moment for the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio terming it a step towards the right direction and a self-sustaining Diocese. The synod is a realization of the Bishop’s dream which has been long overdue as he says that was his first idea after his installation but instability in the country leading to war and violence became a major hitch. With the revitalized peace agreement realizing relative peace in the country, His Lordship says its time to surge forward.
 
The Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator who doubled up as the moderator of the sittings, Fr Raphael Diko  on his part appreciated the members assembled while calling them to work together in order to define the historical moment of the diocese in an effective and successful manner.
The preliminary conference aims to define and realize new life in Christ by addressing ten important topics of pastoral concerns namely; The Christian life, Liturgy, Evangelization, Social concerns, Social communication, parish, Catholic Schools, Laity, the Clergy and the Religious and finally Cultural diversity and middle ground for all.
The synod delegates engaged in a myriad of discussions, which aims to strengthen the Diocese in all spheres, achieving a whole, Holy Christian life. The delegates grouped themselves for important discussions with each group tackling questions that would help them come up with suggestions to improve the situation.
The synod also aims to identify the strengths and the weaknesses and come up with the way forward as the Diocese surges ahead.
On the last day of the synod discussions, the Diocese had a historic moment as it launched its five-year Strategic plan led by His Lordship, Barani Eduardo Hiiboro, the Bishop of the Catholic of Tombura-Yambio. The launch was graced by notable dignitaries and representatives from various world organizations such as World Vision, UNHCR, CORDAID, FAO, Equatorial Teak among others.  Government representatives also graced the occasion led by the Acting Speaker Gbudue state, Madam Christine Mokorondere who reiterated the government’s collaboration and support for the church activities in Gbudue state.
 “It has been a journey of seven months that we culminate today with the launch of this strategic plan, a journey that will definitely surge the Diocese forward,” Said Bishop Eduardo.
His Lordship blessed the Strategic plan materials and urged the members to join hands and make it a success. He stressed the need for human beings to be respected all round as we help God in the work of creation.
The 2019-2023 Strategic Plan has four pillars that will guide the diocese in the five-year plan. Pillar one entails Evangelization, Christian Formation and Pastoral Care, pillar two involves social economic development, pillar three involves improving financial systems, controls and reporting framework and the forth dealing with monitoring and evaluation, learning and capacity development.
‘Our strategic plan looks into the need of everyone. Inorder to implement the revitalized peace agreement, we have to look into all the needs of the people which luckily have been incorporated in the strategic plan, the Bishop said.
He insisted on the consistency and finding ways of implementing for its effectiveness and success. He called upon the congregants to “Get up and Walk” echoing the words in the Gospel when Jesus healed the Crippled man.
 While presenting the goals and objectives of the strategic plan, Mr Joshua Okeyo, who has worked hard among other key stakeholders to make the strategic plan inception and launch a success, expressed hope that within the five years, the Diocese will have propelled to greater heights.
The strategic plan aims at having a coordinated approach in the Diocese, give a purpose and sense of direction to the ultimate goal and also be a yard stick against which self-evaluation can be done. With the strategic plan in place , engagement towards stakeholders and the diocese will be enhanced.
All the key speakers echoed the famous words, ‘failing to plan is planning to fail’, as they appreciated the Bishop for the great milestone the diocese has achieved and the great partnership between the Diocese and humanitarian organizations. They promised to walk and collaborate with the Diocese every step of the way.
……………………………………GET UP AND WALK (John 5: 8)……………………………….......
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Tambura, 15th February 2019. Calm has returned to Nagero County and majority of IDPs from Mabia camp in Tombura County went back to their own houses, Tambura Minister of Information confirmed to Anisa Radio.
Anikumbo Mathew Emme says due to the relative peace in South Sudan IDPs voluntary decided to return and start cultivation.
The minister says the government has deployed security forces to Nagero County for the safety of returnees.
He says few IDPs still remaining in the camp are still in need of shelter, food materials, and agriculture tools among others.
The official spoke to Anisa Radio in a telephone interview during wakeup call program.

By Fr. Elario Zambakari
​Yambio, 15th February 2019. The Vicar General for the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio says Radio communication is intended to communicate, educate, advise and transform citizens in the society.
Fr. Thomas Bagbiowia says the main objective of the radio is to unite and build confidence and trust among South Sudanese.
The Vicar appeals to those who transmit the massage should know ethics of the radio and work to build peace, uniting the people and work to bring forgiveness and love as a guide to all people.
He says the radio should transmit right massages to the right people which do not create division in the society.
Radio advises those who do not listen so that they can transform in their lives and be a nationalist, the Vicar explains
He urges media houses to use their radio for good communication to promote love peace and unity to cooperate and build our country.
This year UNESCO is paying tribute to radio on Wednesday Feb. 13 with the 8th edition of World Radio Day. Under the theme “Dialogue, Tolerance and Peace.
The Vicar General was speaking to Anisa Fm at Curia on World Radio Day which is under the theme dialogue, tolerance and peace.

By Fr. Elario Zambakari
​Tambura, 15th February 2019. The Minister of Information of Tombura State confirmed that three South Sudan business personnel were shot dead on Monday by Ambororo cattle keepers at the border of South Sudan and Central Africa Republic.
Anikumbo Mathew Emme in a telephone interview with Anisa Radio says those business personnel were transporting their goods from Tambura to Central Africa on their return they fell into Ambororo Ambush.
The minister explains that last week the Ambororo Groups had misunderstanding with wildlife in Tambura State due to unnecessary killing of wild animals.
He urges the public to stop associating with Ambororo as this time they are not pastoralists, but are armed youth who want to colonize some parts of Central Africa.
The public should remain calm because the government is in the control of the state, the minister points out.
He calls on citizens to stop unnecessary movement between central Africa border and South Sudan he explains.
Emme urges citizens of Tambura State and South Sudan to embark on agriculture in order to fight hunger in the country.

Yambio, 17th January 2019. The Inter-Church Committee on Tuesday called on the entire citizens to peacefully co-exist with the Lord Resistance Army abductees in Western Equatoria region.
Speaking to Anisa Radio, program officer Paul Kumbonyaki discloses that the returnees who were abducted by LRA should not be discriminated against.
He adds that the abductees were forcefully arrested and made to work against their will.
Kumbonyaki says with the support from Caritas Austria they were able to open a school at Gangura Payam for the affected children for free education by providing scholastic materials and balanced diet.
The program officer discloses that they have 117 pupils in St Peter Orphanage School.
He adds that there is also a new plan to include vulnerable children who have lost both parents due to other circumstances like HIV/AIDS.

Yambio, 17th January 2019. About 250 Christians met at St Mary Parish Yambio to discuss questions the first Diocesan Synod set for this year.
According to Anisa Radio, the meeting was finding ways how the Catholic Church should move like a family to build a holistic growth of the diocese.
Fr Joseph Nzaku, Chairperson of the Synod, appreciates the initiative and urges the Christians to own it since it is the first time the Diocese is conducting it.
He adds that St Mary Parish in Yambio will frequently educate Christians on what the Synod is all about and its importance.
Mibiratire William Kassiano, a participant confirms that he learnt that Christians are the family of God.
Participants were able to ask questions about certain things that they were worrying about in faith and other liturgical issues to understand them better, he notes.
Paulina Erminio Wande, another church member, says the Synod is a moment whereby the Bishop, religious and the laity come together and find ways on how to build the faith on strong ground.
The Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio in November last year launched Synod in Yambio and spread the program all over for Christians to own the initiative.

By Fr. Elario Zambakari
​Nuba Mountains, 15th January 2019. Director-General for Education says, around 158 candidates are sitting for national Secondary School examinations in Nuba Mountains region for the first time.
Speaking to Voice of Peace Radio on Monday, Abdallah Kumi Shega says students from Kurumba of Kauda and Lomeric Secondary Schools in the Western Jebel will be doing the national Exams.
Director Kumi wishes to the senior four candidates’ success and hopes they join universities in the near future.
He called on the parents, community members and authority to provide support the school going children especially those in candidate class.
The examinations which started on Monday January 14th will end on January 24th 2019.

Torit, 14th January 2019. Geria County commissioner vows to engage youth in productive activities such as agriculture, wrestling and football competition.
Speaking to Radio Emmanuel Dominic Onyu encourages young people to do productive activities to boost economy of the County, State and country at large.
He calls on citizens to produce more food this year compared to previous years.
The commissioner urges the citizens to put for efforts on agriculture and activities that will bring about lasting peace to the country.
Onyu warns young people against being idle.
He appeals to citizens to stop ill behaviours that cause conflict among communities.
The commissioner was talking to Radio Emmanuel in Torit on Thursday.

Yei, Monday 14th January 2018. About 30 shops got burnt at Sobe Street in Yei town on Saturday at dawn, according to the Police commissioner.
Traders whose shops got burnt say the cause of the fire outbreak is unknown calling on the government to investigate the matter.
They say few traders managed to rescue few items, but most traders lost their property.
Emmanuel Wani Peter, Acting Director of the Fire Brigade, cites lack of the fire fighting trucks and fire extinguishers in the state.
Meanwhile Major General Yoasa Lujang Kamba confirms the incident that the cause is unknown, but security agents are still investigating the incident.
The fire outbreak shocked many people in Yei.