A KIDDERMINSTER vicar has returned to his home country to become one of the President of South Sudan’s closest advisors.

Joseph Ayok-Loewenberg, of St George’s, is going over to help ease tensions between South and North Sudan.

South Sudan only became an independent country last year and has a long history of conflict with the people of the North.

There is fighting in Darfur as the minority African Muslim tribes are battling to be recognised as equal citizens.

Rev Ayok-Loewenbergbelieves that an alternative solution is possible and felt it was important to return to his homeland to see if he can make a difference.

“Lots of people in South Sudan are sympathetic to the plight of the people in Darfur, Nuba mountains and Blue Nile,” he said.

“ War is not the way forward, there are other things we can do. The world is changing politically – we don’t need to take this on ourselves, but should be engaging with the wider political community to try to find a peaceful solution.

“My role is not going to be an easy one, but I feel that there’s a real opportunity there, and I’m honoured to be asked back to play my part.”

Mr Ayok-Loewenberg is going to be given an ambassador’s post so that his 12-year-old twin daughters will continue to be educated in Europe.

“I am incredibly sad to be leaving all my friends in Kidderminster,” he said. “We haven’t lived in one place for more than three years at any time and I really saw this as a place to stay and put down roots. Unfortunately that wasn’t meant to be, but our life is in God’s hands and I know that we can trust His plan.”