Aweil North chiefs detained in dispute over paramount chieftaincy

AWEIL – Two community chiefs in Aweil North County, Aturjong Aturjong and Dau Deng Nyuol, have been arrested following a disagreement over a paramount chieftaincy position, local authorities said.

Aweil North County Commissioner Kiir Chan Wol told Sudans Post in an interview this morning that that the traditional chiefs became embroiled in a physical altercation and “attempted to cause feud in the community.”

“I sent the police officers to arrest the two chiefs as they attempted to cause tension. They are relatives fighting over the seat of a paramount chief,” he said.

“This chieftaincy position is not something that should be decided through fighting. The local government and the residents, or the subjects they are ruling, will decide who will hold this position,” he added.

Wol emphasized that customary court positions are determined through a process involving the local government and the residents, not through physical confrontation.

Residents contacted for comment expressed disapproval of the chiefs’ actions and urged for a peaceful resolution.

“The authorities should work hard to sort out this matter definitively, rather than prolonging it,” said Santino Deng, a youth member in the area.

“As the citizens of Aweil North County, we know who is better suited to lead us and who has the experience to handle local disputes effectively,” he added.

Residents are advised to remain calm and avoid involvement in the dispute over the paramount chieftaincy position.

Local authorities are currently awaiting the arrival of the new state governor, who is expected to address the chieftaincy issue definitively.