By Hou Akot Hou
Two traditional chiefs in Aweil North County, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, have been arrested following a disagreement over the position of paramount chief.
The two chiefs, Aturjong Aturjong and Dau Deng Nyuol, were competing for the role of paramount chief in the area.
The situation escalated to the point where the two chiefs attempted to engage in a physical altercation, prompting the county commissioner to intervene.
“I sent the police to arrest the two chiefs as they were trying to incite conflict in the community. They are relatives fighting over the paramount chief position, and that is why I had them arrested,” explained Commissioner Kiir Chan Wol.
Wol stated that the position of paramount chief should be decided by the local government and the residents, rather than through violent confrontation between the candidates.
He noted that any traditional leadership positions are subject to disciplinary action by the local authorities if the proper procedures are not followed.
Residents contacted for comment urged the two chiefs to seek more constructive methods of resolving their dispute, rather than resorting to physical confrontation.
Santino Deng, a local youth leader, said the county authorities should work to quickly bring the matter to a close.
“It would be best if the county administration can intervene to settle this issue. As citizens of the area, we know who is better suited to lead us in resolving local disputes,” Deng stated.
Residents have been advised to refrain from becoming involved in the claim for the paramount chief position, and to remain calm until the new state governor, who is currently in Juba, returns to address the matter.