Traditional leader says South Sudan govt undermines their role
January 31, 2008 (MALAKAL) — Upper Nile traditional leaders accused the government of Southern Sudan of deliberately undermining their role by creating parallel bodies and not allocating them any subvention, Sudan Radio Service reported.
Speaking during the peace conference in Malakal on Friday January 25, the paramount chief of the Lou Nuer, Gatlauk Thow, cited the introduction of county and payam courts as a deliberate attempt by the government to discard traditional courts which were effective in maintaining law and order.
Chief Thow said presence of lawlessness across the region is because the role of traditional leaders is weakened by the introduction of government courts.
He said chiefs used to be instrumental in maintaining law and order because they were in touch with the members of the public.
He urged the government to reconsider its position and allocate some budget to traditional leaders.
(ST)
Victoria Naculya
Traditional leader says South Sudan govt undermines their role
Do not give up Chief Thow, it seems like the government forgot that, the elders were the one who kept the counties stable when they were away in the jungle. And instead of praising you, they are discouraging you. But what I know, chiefs are stronger when coming to dealing with there people. So do not give up, what you want, you will get, when you struggle for it. And please GoSS, not because you are in power, you do whatever you want. Let there be equal treatment and equal access. Thanks [email protected]
John Amule de Lokolong
Traditional leader says South Sudan govt undermines their role
Mr Chief dont put your eyes into money,money is evil take care of your people and do whatever you are asked to play,Law must be mainatain from low level so that the illiterate people can get chance of understand it properly,if you are hoping to live in peace do as you are told and see how does it work befor complaining.
martin simon wani
Traditional leader says South Sudan govt undermines their role
I think Chief Gatlauk is right, it is not only in Upper Nile state, the role of the local government was ignored even in creation of the government structure for the GOss,that is why there is no ministry for the local government at the GOSS level.How can you have ministries for the local government at the state levels with out the mother ministry at the GOSS level?.The government of southern Sudan should re-consider creation of the ministry of local government at the Goss level.
Gatwech
Traditional leader says South Sudan govt undermines their role
Chief Gatluak,
Formation of County and Payam Courts are not in contradiction to the authority of local chiefs in trying to handle court cases. It empowers chiefs using government machinery.
The local customary laws you are using should still be applied in such courts as enshrined in the Interim Constitutions of Southern Sudan and of States.
You may also be recruited to sit in such courts or even preside over in case of a Payam Court. Accept it!
Cheers,