Local Chiefs Return to Duty Following Peaceful Electoral Process
Rumbek, South Sudan
On January 18, 2026, customary law courts at the payam and boma levels officially resumed operations in Rumbek Central County, Lakes State, South Sudan. This development follows the recent conclusion of chieftaincy elections, which saw the election of local chiefs to oversee traditional justice within their communities.
Resumption of Customary Courts
A briefing session was held on Friday for the newly elected chiefs from payams and bomas, organized by Lakes State Minister of Local Government Mabor Meen Wol and Rumbek Central County Commissioner Dut Manak Akuot. The meeting was attended by 120 chiefs representing all seven payams in the county, marking a significant step toward restoring local judicial functions and reinforcing community-based dispute resolution.
Chiefs Reaffirm Their Mandate
Sultan Sabit Kuac, the head chief of the Cueiadukan Payam regional court, expressed satisfaction with the renewed mandate granted by their communities. "We are happy to the community and the government of Lakes State for renewing our mandates," Kuac stated. Chiefs were briefed and instructed to resume their roles, despite ongoing challenges within the community.
Kuac emphasized that all customary cases should start at the lowest level of the traditional justice system, beginning with the boma executive chief and sub-chief, before escalating to the payam head chief and finally the county court paramount chief if necessary. He cautioned residents against bypassing lower customary courts and taking cases directly to county or state courts, noting that such practices have resulted in cases being referred back to the appropriate local levels.
Jurisdiction of Customary Courts
Chief Kuac advocated for the return of specific cases—such as girl pregnancies, elopements, adultery, cattle disputes, and theft of goats or chickens—to boma and payam customary courts. He argued that these matters fall under customary law and should not be adjudicated in county or state high courts. Kuac also raised concerns about the random detention of chiefs by authorities, urging that any issues involving chiefs be resolved within the community prior to arrest, a resolution addressed at the Agar community conference.
Guidance from Local Government
Commissioner Dut Manak Akuot outlined the structure of Rumbek Central County's chieftaincy, which includes one paramount chief, nine regional court presidents, 22 executive chiefs, and 88 sub-chiefs. These positions were filled through community elections witnessed by government and electoral committee representatives. The newly elected chiefs were instructed to prioritize stability, timely dispute resolution, and community development, with a directive to handle cases locally rather than in town or government offices.
Akuot warned police, lawyers, and courts against intervening in cases that fall under customary jurisdiction and assured chiefs of their right to appeal to his office and the minister of local government if necessary. He emphasized that relevant cases must be handled by local chiefs and urged citizens to follow proper legal procedures, avoiding unauthorized venues such as military barracks for opening cases. Cases like girl pregnancies and elopements should remain within the purview of local chiefs unless criminal elements are involved.
Akuot also commended the peaceful conduct of chieftaincy elections in Rumbek Central County and thanked the communities for their cooperation.
State-Level Perspective
Lakes State Minister of Local Government Mabor Meen Wol confirmed that the chieftaincy elections in Rumbek Central County had been successfully concluded, and he met with the newly elected chiefs to instruct them to report back to their roles. Minister Wol granted them judicial powers and reminded them to exercise their duties lawfully, in accordance with both governmental and community expectations.
Conclusion
The resumption of customary courts in Rumbek Central County marks a pivotal moment for traditional justice and local governance. With elected chiefs reaffirmed in their roles and empowered to adjudicate customary cases, the community is poised to benefit from strengthened dispute resolution and greater stability. The collaborative efforts between the chiefs, local government, and the community underscore commitment to upholding customary law while fostering peace and development throughout the region.
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