Upper Nile Governor forms advisory board of elders

May 29, 2008 (MALAKAL) — The Governor of Upper Nile State, Major General, Gatluak Deng Garang, has issued on Thursday an executive order for the formation of the State’s Council of Elders.

The Council, an advisory board, is mandated to provide counsel on the issues pertaining to reconciliation among various communities in the State, encourage greater integration, unity and better relations between people from different ethnic groups.

The elders as local actors play an important role to manage and resolve conflicts within or between communities on daily basis. As Local mechanisms in conflicts resolution, they aim to resolve conflicts without resorting to state-run judicial systems, police, or other external structures.

The Council also has to provide support to local, regional organizations and employer of all sectors of economy in their efforts of building a just and equitable society where opportunities are at the reach of all UNS’ citizens, and raise public awareness about the dangers of racial discrimination and injustice.

The members of the council are :
1. Mr. Daniel Koat Mathews,
2. Mr. James Bol Kalmal,
3. Mr. Peter Mabil Riak,
4. Mr. Muma Tiger Pano, and
5. Mr. Arenk Ador Padiet.

(ST)