By Hou Akot Hou
Authorities in Twic County, Warrap State, have suspended traditional courts to allow farmers to prepare for the forthcoming farming season.
This measure aims to help the local population focus on farming and avoid attending court cases, which would hinder their agricultural activities.
The Commissioner of Twic County informed this publication on Thursday via phone from Turalei, the county headquarters, that they realized many people would not engage in planting if the local courts were not suspended.
John Mabior Marup stated that the closure would remain in effect until September, when the new yields are expected to be tested.
“We are advising people to go and prepare their land for cultivation. Visit your villages or bomas and get ready for farming; do not attend court cases anymore. It is time to farm, as hunger is affecting us now. Let’s combat it through agriculture,” the commissioner stated.
He mentioned that all paramount chiefs, along with their adjutants or assistants, have been directed to implement this order.
Mabior acknowledged the severity of the hunger situation and emphasized that only cases related to hunger among the local population should be addressed. Issues related to cattle and other matters will no longer be handled by traditional courts.
“In all the villages, if a local person comes to you, the chief, to report cases of hunger—such as someone owing a cow to sell for food—then that case should be addressed. However, other cases are not allowed to be settled in traditional courts anymore,” he noted.
The commissioner highlighted the importance of the rule of law, stating that criminal cases should only be addressed by the public prosecutor or statutory courts.
Many states in South Sudan are struggling to alleviate the suffering of their local populations through farming, as the national Ministry of Agriculture has pledged to implement mechanized farming this year to help produce enough food.
It remains to be seen how the new initiatives announced by the national agriculture ministry will enhance farming techniques in the country.