By Manyang Mayom
“This will be way out to resolve … conflicts in Lakes that started
in early 1990s to the present date,” said Awet, who told the newly inaugurated
chief-judges to exert great efforts to solve the problems, adding that previous
attempts had failed. The special court will last for period of six months and
will clear a backlog of cases.
The presiding judges – all prominent chiefs – are: Hon. Justice
George Angier Ring- Ring of Greater Yirol, Hon. Justice Charles Abyei, Rumbek
Centre County, Hon. Nyok Monyrac Akot in Rumbek East, with Jairo Ajang for Akot
as there are two teams in Akot in Rumbek East and Hon. Justice Mathiang Kuac
Cueibet.
Some of the chiefs had headed up the mobile courts of former days, settling
cases of sectional fighting and cattle raiding especially along the toich cattle
grazing land.
Deputy Governor and Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement, Awan Guol
Riak assured all the chiefs that his ministry is only waiting for the Local
Government Act Law to start paying them.
“The Special Court shall exercise the powers of high court judge, order
any compensation authorized by law and also issue summon to any person, to appear
as witness before it; or order arrest to any person,” Guol said.
But he added that the special court could not pass the death sentence or a
sentence of life imprisonment.
Meanwhile - as part of a crucial reconciliation process - chiefs and local
government officials met on Saturday to discuss a continuing effort by both
Lakes and Warrap States to return stolen cattle.
The State Governors of Lakes State and Warrap met chiefs and commissioners
at the reconciliation and peace rally held in Tonj South County of Warrap state
to further help resolve disputes over inter-sectional fighting and cattle raiding.
Under the agreement, at least 218 cattle will returned to Lakes State counties
of Cueibet and Rumbek North and around 130 herds of cattle will returned to
Warrap State.
Community leaders have said that they are fully committed to complete the exercise
by the end of this year.