FVP Dr. Riek Machar (center front) and stakeholders at the officiation of National Conference for the Council of Traditional Authority Leaders in Juba on Friday. (Photo: Courtesy).

First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar has commended traditional leaders’ role in peacebuilding and urged working cooperation with government institutions at the state and country levels.

Machar, who leads the Governance Cluster, made the remarks while officiating the National Conference for the Council of Traditional Authority Leaders in Juba on Friday.

The three-day event was organized by the ministries of peacebuilding, justice and constitutional affairs, federal affairs, and interior, in partnership with the UN Mission in South Sudan and development agency – UNDP.

It is aimed at empowering traditional leaders to address local disputes and resolve communal conflicts, as well as enhancing common understanding among government and traditional authorities at the grassroots level.

In his remarks, Machar emphasized the importance of convening such a conference and called on governors and chief administrators to collaborate closely with the traditional authority leaders.

“The Constitution and the local government law give you legitimacy in forming your councils. We in the leadership appreciate the great role you play in peace issues and customary problems, as well as your role in development issues,” he said.

“If the government wants to carry out developmental, agricultural, or industrial projects, or even construct roads, you must be consulted. We will direct the Governor to cooperate with you in accordance with the National Constitution, the State Constitution, and the Local Government Law.”

The conference is under the theme “Empowering Traditional Authority to Consolidate Peace and Reconciliation”.