Traditional leaders propose for committee to meet President Kiir, Dr. Machar
The traditional leaders, in their meeting in Juba, also issued nine resolutions, most of which aim to create unity and stability in the country
By Chuol Chanyong
In a meeting organized by the UN Mission Political Affairs Division and the Ministry of Peacebuilding in Juba yesterday, the Council of Traditional Leaders in South Sudan outlined nine key resolutions aimed at promoting peace and stability in the country.
The forum, themed: “Harnessing the Roles of Traditional Leaders in Enhancing Political Dialogue and Social Cohesion in South Sudan”, and chaired by Prince Tadio Mario Sasa, the Prime Minister of the Azande Kingdom and Head of the Steering Committee of the National Council of Traditional Authority Leaders, underlined the need for reconciliation and peace in the country.
Among the nine resolutions passed by the council included forming a committee to meet the country’s President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar.
Other resolutions also included: the need to have National Reconciliations for all South Sudanese; Bridge the Gap between the Government and Traditional Leadership Authority; development and implementation of legal frameworks such as Constitution making process and transitional Justice system; Committee to be formed to meet President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar and that; traditional leaders to sit with politicians to re instate their rights as traditional leaders.
Additionally, the council stated that: traditional leaders determine the role of the Chiefs without politicians; Council of Traditional Leaders Authority; representatives of Upper Nile , Bahr El Ghazel and Equatoria to form their Council of Traditional Leaders Authority and that; Local Govt. Act 2009 be amended.
The organizers and participants of this forum hope that these resolutions will contribute to establishing sustainable peace and strengthening the role of traditional leaders in building South Sudan.
“Today, we are here to celebrate and reflect on the journey we have taken as a nation and the path that still lies ahead,” said Pia Philip Michael, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Peace Building.
“We believe that traditional leaders are the foundation and soul of society in South Sudan. An effective government cannot exist without being rooted in our traditions and customs. Their legitimacy comes from history and society, and communities still trust them,” he added.
