A forum of elders drawn from around South Sudan called on President Salva Kiir to form a high level national committee to study federalism.

The National Community Leaders Forum, which met in Juba for a three-day conference ending Friday, said that a study of federalism would inform and enhance constitutional processes and should take place without prejudice to individuals and groups.

The forum comprised leaders from Greater Equatoria, Bahr el Ghazal, and Upper Nile regions.

The initiative to start a committee on federalism was spearheaded by the three governors of Equatoria and was chaired by two representatives from Greater Bahr el Ghazal and Equatoria regions.

They said face-to-face, honest, and open discussions between community leaders from South Sudan’s regions would pave the way for constructive dialogue and confidence building.

Speaking to reporters at Dembesh Hotel Friday, the chairperson representing Greater Equatoria States Alison Monani Magaya said dialogue is the only way to peacefully settle problems and that they will spread the idea of discussions throughout South Sudan’s communities.

“We have concluded our three days meeting. We have been trying to address ourselves to some the warring problems facing our people at this critical moment in the history of our country," Magaya said.

“Yesterday and today we have been discussing the issue of concerns especially on the issue of how to stop the wars and the issues that are bothering our people including the problems people facing in Juba which is the issue of federalism,” Magaya said.

Importance of dialogue

The elders said that the civil war is the result of a power struggle within the ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) and called on the party’s leadership to initiate reconciliation, internal dialogue, and healing among its members.

Justice Ambrose Riny Thiik, Chairman of the Community leaders of Bahr el Ghazal and Upper Nile states, said the forum is an example of the importance of inclusive community dialogue and stressed the need to extend the process to other regions of South Sudan.

“I wish to tell my people in the UN camps that through dialogue we can resolve our difference. We need to have confidence in ourselves because this war of ours will not take us ahead,” Riny said.

The forum also urged the president to form a high level national committee to curb land grabbing in Juba.

The forum further said that the government should regulate the movement and grazing of cattle in agricultural areas and place safeguards to avoid conflicts between cattle herders and farmers.

Justice Ambrose Riny Thiik, Left- Alison Monani Magaya  representatives of the community, signing the resolutions of the dialogue today evening in Juba, Photo by Radio Tamazuj

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