The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in collaboration with authorities in the greater Bahr el Ghazal region is planning a regional peace conference to empower the traditional leaders in conflict mitigation and promoting peace among the communities.

Government officials and chiefs from Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Lakes, Warrap, and Western Bahr el Ghazal states will meet in Wau town in the third week of March for the conference, according to a statement from UNMISS.  

UNMISS Civil Affairs Team Leader in Aweil, Maria Inecita Montero told Radio Tamazuj, "This is a regional conference on strengthening the roles of traditional leaders on peace and reconciliation."

The minister of local government in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Kiir Chan Wol, said his state's delegates are ready for the conference which he believes will address issues affecting communities in the region.   

“We are ready to participate in the upcoming conference and our participation number is 18 paramount chiefs plus state governor and I the minister. Each state is expected to delegate only 20 participants,’’ said Chan.   

He adds, “We expect that there will be more achievement because this is a first-ever conference bringing the Bahr el Ghazal region together to discuss communities’ issues as well as traditional systems of different tribes in the region. 

Wau County's Paramount Chief, William Kamilo, welcomed the conference and said it will address conflicts between pastoralists and farmers.

“We welcome the peace conference because our only problem in Bahr el Ghazal is a dispute between pastoralists and farmers and if there is such conference, it may implement the people’s ambitions,” said Kamilo. “And on behalf of the traditional authorities, I welcome the conference.”