By Aguok Chok

The governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, Simon Ober Mawut, has warned local authorities against creating new chieftainships without proper procedures, saying such practices could weaken unity and divert focus away from service delivery.

“The random creation of local chieftainships must stop. The state priority is service provision to the people,” Governor Mawut stated.

He added that such practices have created unnecessary tensions among communities and consumed valuable time and resources that could be used to improve health care, education, and livelihoods.

Mawut was speaking during the inauguration of the State’s first-ever County Commissioners’ and Mayors’ Forum on Monday in Aweil.

The event marks a new chapter in strengthening local governance and improving coordination between county administrations, municipalities, and traditional leadership structures.

In his opening speech, Governor Mawut highlighted the pressing challenges facing the state’s local administrations and traditional authorities.

The governor has warned local authorities against creating new chieftainships without proper procedures, saying such practices could weaken unity and diverts focus away from service delivery.

“The random creation of local chieftainships must stop. The state priority is service provision to the people,” Governor Mawut stated.

He added that such practices have created unnecessary tensions among communities and consumed valuable time and resources that could be used to improve health care, education, and livelihoods.

Also, the governor noted the persistent disputes over land and borders within the state and urged the local authorities to put an end to conflicts that undermine peace and development efforts.

“We must work together to end internal land border disputes,” he said. “Our people expect us to lead them towards peace, not conflict.”

The Commissioners’ and Mayors’ Forum is being held as part of the implementation of Resolution 26 of the 8th Governors’ Forum of 2025, which directed all states and administrative areas to convene such gatherings.

The purpose is to bring together county commissioners, state ministers, development partners, and other stakeholders to share experiences, exchange knowledge, and find common ground on policies affecting local governance.

This year’s forum, the first of its kind in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, runs for five days under the theme “Building a Peaceful and Prosperous Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.” The delegates are expected to engage in constructive dialogue on key issues such as security, service delivery, and conflict resolution.

Governor Mawut emphasized the need for unity among the various levels of government and traditional institutions. “This forum is a platform for us to speak with one voice and to design strategies that respond to the real challenges of our people,” he said.

The event also serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration between government and traditional authorities in addressing community grievances and managing disputes. By fostering cooperation, the state leadership hopes to reduce tensions and establish a more peaceful environment where development can thrive.

As the forum continues, expectations are high that the discussions will yield practical recommendations and a roadmap for strengthening local governance in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.

For many citizens, the Governor’s strong call for peace and order resonates with their hopes for a future built on stability, unity, and prosperity.