Vatican-South Sudan Ties: A Personal Journey of Education and Diplomacy
By Dut Augustino Agei Dut, Nairobi, Kenya
Tuesday, 24 September 2024 (PW) — Following South Sudan’s independence in 2011, the nation began forging relationships with the international community. Among these newfound ties was a bilateral relationship with the Holy See, Vatican City State. The establishment of South Sudan’s embassy in Italy and the Apostolic Nunciature in Juba paved the way for Pope Francis to appoint His Excellency Archbishop Charles Balvo as the country’s first Apostolic Nuncio from 2013 to 2018. Archbishop Balvo’s tenure in South Sudan was followed by assignments in the Czech Republic and later Australia, where he oversees Catholic affairs in the Oceania region.
The year 2013 marked a pivotal moment for South Sudan, introducing me to His Excellency’s office. Through his generosity, I was granted the opportunity to pursue a university degree program. Even after his transfer to the Czech Republic, his support continued, enabling me to complete my studies. Leveraging technology, I maintained contact with His Excellency. His exceptional character as an American and Nuncio Emeritus led him to further my education with a two-year master’s program at the University of Nairobi. This period coincided with his transition to Australia. Remarkably, he continued to support my academic journey, culminating in today’s celebration of my graduation from the master’s program and enrollment in a Ph.D. program at the University of Nairobi’s 71st graduation ceremony. This journey exemplifies the profound impact of Vatican-South Sudan relations on individual lives.
The Vatican’s assistance to South Sudan, both during its struggle for independence and after, has been multifaceted, encompassing health, education, and peace initiatives. His Excellency’s role as the first Apostolic representative epitomized this support at various junctures in the history of the Catholic mission in South Sudan since 2011. In many Catholic states and international organizations, His Excellency has a tradition of sponsoring educators after each diplomatic mission, benefiting over thirty African nations, as well as countries in Central and Western Europe, the Nordic and Baltic states, and now Australia. As Catholic educators, we are eternally grateful for these opportunities, especially my personal experience, which I hope will continue through post-doctoral studies, thanks to His Excellency’s unwavering support.
Vatican diplomacy under Pope Francis has shown particular interest in South Sudan, which became the subject of my thesis. I explored the principle of non-refoulement in Kenya, examining the legal protections for those crossing international borders. This research coincided with South Sudan’s efforts to integrate into the global community. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Vatican’s diplomatic corps, especially the sisters who facilitated my communication with His Excellency across Kenya, the Czech Republic, and Australia. Without their assistance, maintaining contact from Africa would have been considerably more challenging.
His Excellency’s benevolence towards Africa and the world carries a lasting message of gratitude from me and the broader Sudanese and South Sudanese communities. His exemplary service made him our preferred direct link to the papacy. I also thank the various Kenyan educators at the diplomacy school and the Kenyan government for providing a conducive environment for South Sudanese nationals pursuing education in Kenya. Above all, I praise Almighty God for His mercy throughout my educational journey and for answering my childhood prayer of becoming an accomplished doctor.
In conclusion, my exposure to the British Commonwealth introduced me to the concept of the Golden Heart award, honoring individuals who have made significant international contributions. In absentia, I bestow my personal Golden Heart award upon the first Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See, H.E. Charles Balvo, for his dedication to educating young Catholics worldwide. Across Africa and globally, we are united in prayer and thanksgiving for His Excellency’s tireless support and exceptional service in Christ’s ministry. In our family history, we take pride in being recognized as among the first Catholic faithful in our area, a legacy for which I am profoundly grateful. I thank Almighty God for His presence in our family and throughout my educational journey, which has led me to a life of service to humanity.
The author, Dut Augustino Agei Dut, is a respected member of Kenya’s South Sudan civil society group. He teaches at Comboni College in Khartoum and also in Juba, South Sudan. A Vatican scholar at the Institute of Diplomacy & International Studies (IDIS) at the University of Nairobi, he also contributes as a columnist for local media in South Sudan. For comments, reach him at dutagostino@yahoo.com or ageidut123@uonbi.ac.ke.
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