Bishop Paul Yogusuk of the Episcopal Church of Sudan and South Sudan has urged both government and the citizens to shun tribalism and unite as a nation.

“We have to shun tribalism; you cannot go on exercising tribalism in a country of multi everything, you cannot go raping, you cannot go on raping civilians and then expect good results,” said Bishop Yogusuk.

Citizens are faced with many security challenges. Many citizens have also become an easy target for attacks by “unknown gunmen” and road ambushes. This is something that has concerned Bishop Yogusuk, who described the recent attacks and killings of civilians along the Yei-Juba and Juba-Nimule roads as totally unacceptable. “Nobody and no institution will accept the killings of innocent civilians.”

Speaking on the Miraya Breakfast Show, Bishop Yogusuk, centered his message on the urgent need to address the problem of tribalism and ethnic-based attacks and stressed that these are vices that must be brought to a halt. He called on the government to exercise wisdom, come together as a nation and not as a tribe and begin to talk about issues.

“We are confused, we are apart, we are not one nation, there is ethnic confusion, total confusion and in this situation we really need to accept that we have gone wrong and probably need to make a U-turn by coming to our senses,” said Bishop Yogusuk.

He reminded the leadership to reflect on the mistakes made, accept the mistakes, unite and drive the nation back on the path for peace.

“Let’s point to ourselves instead of pointing to anybody, lets come together and sit down in national dialogue and begin to see how we can move ahead,” he appealed.

Bishop Yogusuk said he has high regard in the abilities of the government to reverse the ills this country has suffered and unite the citizens.

“I still believe that this government can make a change unless they don’t have something called ears otherwise I believe and have trust that they are in position and are capable.”

Bishop Yogusuk added his concerns about what he described as the “hypocrisy” in the church that is threatening its ability to speak with one voice and prepare the country for peace.  He said the time is now for the church to unite the country.

“I urge church leaders to come out of the hypocrisy: some of them during the day speak of good biblical words, unity, but at night they also label themselves with their tribes, with their communities, this is unfortunate so the church is not above reproach. Let them come out as one, when we are seen as one, the people can become one.”

Listen to the full interview: