By Emmanuel Mandella

The Paramount Chief of Ezo County, Prince Anthony Ture Gbatanyeki, has issued a strong warning to young people against propelling moral decay and cultural misconduct, cautioning that the erosion of traditional values poses a serious threat to the future stability of communities across Western Equatoria State.

The traditional leader made the remarks while addressing hundreds of young people during the Annual General Assembly of youth, held as part of a cultural festival at Regina Mundi Catholic Parish in Ezo County. The gathering brought together youths, church leaders, elders, and community representatives from across the county.

Prince Ture stressed that young people must take responsibility for preserving moral conduct and respecting long-established cultural norms, noting that culture remains the backbone of identity, unity, and peaceful coexistence among communities in the Azande Kingdom and beyond.

“When young people become indiscipline and lose moral values, the future of the community becomes uncertain. Culture is not just tradition; it is the foundation that guides behavior, respect, and responsibility,” Prince Ture said.

The Paramount Chief expressed deep concern over behaviors he said increasingly contradict the values and norms of the Azande people and other communities in Western Equatoria State. He specifically cited misconduct during funerals and community gatherings, describing such acts as disrespectful and harmful to social harmony.

According to Prince Ture, funerals, traditionally moments of mourning, unity, and reflection are increasingly being turned into spaces of disorder, violence, and immoral behavior, particularly by young people.

“There are practices we are seeing today, especially during funeral ceremonies that go against our cultural laws and moral standards. These behaviors insult our traditions and dishonor both the living and the dead,” he warned.

He cautioned that failure to correct such trends could weaken community bonds and create long-term social instability, stressing that culture provides a moral compass that helps regulate behavior and resolve conflicts peacefully.

Prince Ture reminded the youth that they are the custodians of the future and that their actions today will determine whether communities remain united or descend into disorder. He urged them to learn from elders, respect traditional authority, and uphold values such as discipline, respect for life, and communal responsibility.

“If young people lose track of their culture and traditions, the future of our communities is shaken. We cannot build strong societies without disciplined youth who understand who they are and where they come from,” he said.

The traditional leader emphasized that cultural values are not meant to suppress young people but to guide them toward productive and responsible lives, adding that culture teaches respect, hard work, and peaceful coexistence.

Prince Ture also highlighted the responsibility of traditional leaders, parents, and institutions to guide young people, calling for collective efforts to correct negative behaviors before they become entrenched.

He pledged to continue engaging with youth platforms to promote dialogue on culture, morality, and responsibility, noting that traditional leadership alone cannot address the challenge without community support.

“This is not the work of chiefs alone, parents, elders, churches, and youth leaders must work together to guide our young people in the right direction,” he said.

Observers at the event described the Prince’s message as timely, particularly at a moment when many communities are grappling with social challenges linked to conflict, displacement, and changing lifestyles.

Community elders attending the festival said reviving moral values among youth is essential for peace, development, and long-term stability in Western Equatoria State.

The annual youth assembly and cultural festival concluded with traditional performances and prayers, reinforcing calls for unity, discipline, and cultural pride.