Madhang Majok Meen, Governor of Lakes State|Courtesy

Lakes State Governor Madhang Majok Meen has established seven special committees to address long-standing conflicts rooted in customary practices across the state.

The committees, formed on April 27, 2026, are mandated to resolve intercommunal disputes based on principles of neutrality, fairness, and impartiality, while ensuring justice for affected individuals and communities through customary conflict resolution mechanisms.

Where parties reject compensation and instead pursue punitive justice, the committees are required to refer such cases to statutory courts for adjudication.

According to State Information Minister Paul Cabiet, the initiative is aimed at strengthening peace and reconciliation across the state.

He said the committees were established “to resolve conflicts of a traditional and customary nature in Lakes State applying the principles of neutrality, fairness and impartiality.”

Cabiet noted that the committees are authorized to impose reasonable fines as determined by the State Ministry of Local Government and relevant law enforcement agencies, and are expected to work closely with county commissioners on administrative and security matters.

He further stated that the committees will operate for an initial period of six months, subject to renewal by the governor.

In a related development, Governor Madhang has briefed chiefs from across the state on the new framework, emphasizing their role in handling cases referred to the committees. He said chiefs will undergo specialized training to support the process.

Cabiet also confirmed that the government will collaborate with private sector partners while maintaining leadership of the initiative, adding that the objective is to “resolve these issues and harmoniously reconcile our people so that we live in peace and unity across the state.”

The initiative is part of broader efforts by the Lakes State government to address recurring communal conflicts and strengthen grassroots justice systems.