Traditional chiefs attend the inspection of the new Juba Headquarters. (Courtesy).

The Minister of Local government and Law Enforcement Agency in Central Equatoria State has assured the local chiefs that the government will protect them while carrying out their duties, once the unified forces are deployed.

Moro Isaac Genesio was responding to complaints raised by traditional leaders during a visit to Juba County headquarters on Friday, March 4, 2023.

The chiefs reportedly said they lack protection and mobility to discharge their duties as stipulated in the local governance act.

The state official said the government has resolved to give personal protection to chiefs due to the presence of arms in the hands of civilians.

Minister Moro said once the unified forces are graduated, each chief will be assigned three police officers to guard them.

“What is not enough is the issue of mobility and protection, and the issue of police deployment, because chiefs are no longer implementing the law like before.,” Moro said.

“There was Sorokali [Court Guards] and this Sorokali even with sticks can implement decisions, but now most of our civilians have guns in their hands.”

“That’s why we need police and any chief we have to give them from two to three police officers and is not your responsibility and it depends to the graduation of the unified forces.”

“We have the state police during the unification process and once they’re deployed to the state we will be able to assign them to each County and each Payam.”

According to article 22 of the local government act of 2009, chiefs have jurisdiction over the administration of customary law courts and justice among their people.