JUBA — The governor of South Sudan’s Lakes State, Maj. Gen. Madhang Majok Meen, on Tuesday, established special committees aimed at resolving longstanding traditional disputes and restoring peace across communities.
The move comes amid growing concerns over recurring communal conflicts, often linked to cattle raiding, land disagreements, and revenge attacks.
Addressing the media on Tuesday in Rumbek, Paul Cabiet Ayang, Lakes State Minister of Information and Postal Services, said the seven-member committees, which comprise chiefs, will work closely with local authorities and community representatives to mediate disputes and promote reconciliation.
“The Governor of Lake State, Maj. Gen. Madhang Majok Meen has established seven special committees to resolve conflicts of a traditional and customary nature in Lake State,” Cabiet said.
He said the committee is tasked to resolve intersectional conflicts of a customary nature and decide on cases in question, applying the principles of neutrality, fairness, and impartiality.
“Provide justice to the affected individuals and groups and ensure that historical and customary principles of conflict resolution are applied accordingly. Where the parties to the conflict expressively disagree on the compensation and seek punitive justice, the special committees are henceforth directed to pervert the matter in question to the statutory courts for adjudication,” he said.
Cabiet said the committees will engage directly with affected communities, facilitate dialogue, and recommend lasting solutions rooted in customary laws and practices.
“Apply reasonable fines as shall be determined by the State Ministry of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies of Lake State. Cooperate with county commissioners on administrative matters as to the security and welfare of the special committee members. The duration given to the special committees is six months and shall be subject to renewal by the secretary to the governor of Lake State,” he said.
He said the chiefs handling the cases will receive training to manage them effectively.
“We will partner in the private sector, but the government will take a special lead in this case. Our objective is to resolve these issues harmoniously and reconcile our people so that we live in peace and harmony across the state.”
He said the government of Lakes State, under the leadership of Madhang Majok, is committed to ensuring that peace and stability remain a top priority and will do everything possible to restore lasting calm across the state.
