A prominent member of the Jieng (Dinka) Council of Elders has called for imposition of strict measures to curb what it calls hate speech by those who oppose the presidential Establishment Order and creation of 28 states.

General Bona Bhang Dhol, one of the leading members of the self-appointed council that says it represents Dinka tribal interests and national interests said on Sunday police and security services have not done enough to ensure that nobody propagates hate speech against the creation of more states in the country.

“If you have been following statements from those who do not like good things to happen to the people of South Sudan, you may have, if you are not one of them, realized that there is too much negative talking about the creation of more states. Some of these statements are inciting and the authorities must put in place measure to discourage those who makes such statements,” said Bona Bhang.

He claimed the debate about the creation of more states has taken a dangerous trend and that it has lost logical dialogue between the proponents and opponents and was now taking a tribal direction.

“I have observed some of the leaders are talking too much about a certain tribe. They are talking about certain individuals from certain tribe to have engineered the creation of more states. This is a dangerous trend and it must be discouraged and authorities must move in immediately,” he said.

He continued: “I don’t think the authorities are doing enough because I really would like to see them come out a lot more strongly against violence, hate speeches and against tribal speeches which are being made by some irresponsible leaders who need to be disciplined.”

He also implored both the private and state-controlled media to display professionalism to ensure violence and hate-free debate about the system of governance.

The Jieng Council of Elders comprises largely influential but powerful Dinka politicians, relatives and political allies of President Salva Kiir. It is not a council of traditional leaders.