AFRICA/SUDAN - “The referendum was held peacefully but we fear a food shortage,” Bishop of Tombura-Yambio tells Fides

Khartoum (Agenzia Fides)- “Based on initial counts of the votes, more than 80% of the voters of West Equatoria have voted for independence” Bishop Edward Hiiboro Kussaka of Tombura-Yambio tells Fides, from southern Sudan, where on 15 January the referendum concluded on the independence of the region.
“The people voted calmly, even if terror reigned due to the presence of the LRA rebels (Lord's Resistance Army). Yesterday (16 January) and the day before were marked by the presence of rebel groups in various villages. However, noone was killed, because of the dissuading presence of the Arrow Boys (the local self-defence militias). But we know that there is a strong presence of Ugandan rebels. This is of concern because we do not know what they want to do. However, the Arrow Boys, the South Sudanese military and the Ugandans are taking care to protect civilian populations,” said the Bishop of Tombura-Yambio. The LRA is a Ugandan guerilla group that for many years has controlled a wide area including southern Sudan, north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and south-eastern Central African Republic.
Bishop Kussala further stated that he was worried by the increase in food and petrol prices: “the population is very worried about the increase in prices of basic necessities. This evening a meeting was convened of all the religious leaders of the region to find a way to give courage to the people.”
“In recent days,” explains Bishop Kussala, “the price of food and fuel had a significant increase. This is because traders were afraid to reach markets in our region because of feared raids by guerrillas. Also in Uganda, from where large quantities of goods arrive to local markets, tension is growing for the next presidential elections. Finally, the return of thousands of people from northern Sudan has increased demand. If new supplies do not arrive and prices do not go down, we fear a worsening of social stability” concludes Bishop Kussala. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 17/1/2011)