SOUTH SUDAN: Bishop Recommends Engaging Citizenry In States Controversy
Rt. Rev. Stephen Ameyu, Bishopof Torit
The Catholic Bishop of Torit Diocese, Rt. Rev. Stephen Ameyu, has recommended resolving the country’s political problems by engaging the South Sudanese people.
“This question of 10 States, 28 States or 32 States can be resolved by the people through a referendum, so that we can settle it once and for all. That is the only solution for us in this country,” Bishop Ameyu told the media.
Bishop Ameyu said involvement of citizens in deciding about States’ boundaries and number is because political leaders have failed over the years to the people to “a unanimous agreement”.
He said leaders at the grassroots who are familiar with grievances around the land between States are the ones who are crucial to resolving the controversy.
“Our traditional people, our traditional chiefs or rainmakers or landlords, know the interstate borders”, said the Catholic prelate.
He added that the traditional leaders know which people were staying there from long time ago. Therefore, he is of the opinion that the controversy must be addressed in a traditional way.
The Bishop suggests that the Government provides support to traditional leaders who are familiar with the territory issues at the very basic unit of society, including the borders between different tribes.
Source: CRN
