Local courts have been closed until September in Aweil South County of Northern Bahr al Ghazal State in order not to distract citizens from cultivation.

The county executive last Monday issued an order to stop the functioning of the courts, saying that local chiefs are to give citizens enough time for the cultivation in order to end hunger in the years ahead. “Everyone should go for cultivation. In order for nothing to make people busy I have closed down all the local courts,” said Jiel Mangok

The county commissioner added, “From now until September after the cultivation I don't want to hear that chiefs are still working – all people are to go for cultivation.” 

He also ordered shops closed daily until 3:00 p.m. when the field labor is finished. "Markets are to be closed, and also anything that overcrowds the people, like markets and playing dominoes. If you are found doing nothing in the market, you will be arrested to go for cultivation and if you want to stay in a group, go to the farm as a group and cultivate so that you can be in conversation there."

He said that his orders will be enforced with immediate effect by the local police.

In an interview with Radio Tamazuj after the courts were closed, the county paramount chief did not directly criticize the commissioner’s decision but he warned government courts not to encroach on the mandate of chiefs during the suspension of their work.

Paramount Chief Akol Wek said that the commissioner’s decision was very good but the judges should distance themselves from the mandate of the chiefs, which he said included cases of adultery, marriage, demanding a cow from someone, and other cultural issues.

The chief said that the government judges should stick to their own mandate, which may include criminal matters like murder and some theft cases.

During the suspension of the chiefs’ courts a particular kind of traditional official called ‘gold leaders’ will be charged with keeping order and settling minor disputes. Even these officials, however, have been warned by the commissioner to limit their work and not to stir up conflicts for their own benefit.

Dinka Malual chiefs in Gok Machar of Aweil North County, 21 March 2013 (Radio Tamazuj)