Sultan John Otto was elected last month as the chief of the Balanda Community. (Courtesy).

The chief of the Balanda Community in Western Equatoria State was inaugurated on Saturday in a ceremony attended by thousands of people in Tambura town.

Sultan John Otto was elected last month as the chief of the Balanda Community – replacing the late Sultan Peter Kolowo who died last year.

Traditional chiefs in the state and in many parts of South Sudan, play the important role of solving domestic and communal conflicts and keeping peace among communities.

The event was attended by dignitaries including Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba, state officials, Tambura County Commissioner, and traditional chiefs from different communities.

Honorable Jackline Gaza, a national lawmaker, says the new chief is expected to lead peace and reconciliation among communities in the area that was battered by a bitter conflict two years ago.

“When relative peace came in Tambura the Balanda people gathered again and had an election and after which they elected a new chief,” she said.

“The community is very happy with this inauguration, let me even add that not only the inauguration but since from the initial stage of the election when the community were called to elect their leader.”

“We expect that he is going to guide this community to direct them on the right path and most of all to advocate and make awareness of peace and contribute to the fact that there should be total peace.”

The lawmaker said the communities of Tambura need peace, reconciliation and healing from the wounds of the previous conflict.

Close to 80,000 people were displaced by fighting in Tambura County in 2021, with reports of civilians killed and wounded.