Chiefs seek support from president Kiir ahead of general elections

By Simon Deng

The South Sudan council of chiefs has requested President Salva Kiir Mayardit to work closely with the traditional chiefs to unite the people of South Sudan ahead of the upcoming 2024 general election.

Peter Chut, the head of media for the South Sudan council of chiefs, said the success of the armed struggle that led to the independence of South Sudan in 2011 came as a result of the active participation local chiefs.

“Our message as chiefs is crystal clear and simple, we are mobilizing all the chiefs nationwide, we want to make sure that everyone is on the same page, the council of chiefs is keeping all 64 tribes in unity,” said Chut  in an interview with The Dawn on Friday in Juba.

In June 2024, the South Sudan council of chiefs elected Angui Deng Macham Angui,45, as chairperson replacing his late father Sultan Deng Macham Angui.

Mario Mabior, a member of the South Sudan council of chiefs said they play crucial role in mediating intermittent local conflicts by identifying and addressing the root causes of conflict in the society.

“Chiefs are the closest to the community as compared to members of parliament and politicians, we want government to consider chiefs as important, we want to work for culture and heritage,” said Mabior.