4 April 2014 - Aiming to explore traditional mechanisms for peace and reconciliation, UN agencies held a forum today in the Northern Bahr El-Ghazal capital Aweil.

The event, conducted by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Police, drew 30 community leaders and members of civil society groups.

“This outreach forum aims to initiate exploratory discussions among you … on the use of traditional mechanisms in the peace process in South Sudan and Aweil in particular,” UNDP Law Enforcement Advisor Aurelio Tecson said at the opening.

Traditional mechanisms bring together chiefs, women, youth and spiritual leaders of conflicting parties in events featuring songs, bull slaughterings, speeches at grass-roots levels and competitive dances. Customary laws like paying blood compensation in cows also apply.

Mr. Tecson told participants they were a “bridge” between residents and the government and an “eye” for their people. “Therefore, you know what people need and how we can make peace prevail through traditional leaders.”

Abuk Aher Arol, a deputy executive chief, focused on two things she had learned during the forum. “I have learned … how a chief can contribute to peace building among his/her community, and the role of the chiefs in community policing.”

Four women traditional leaders, including Ms. Arol, attended the forum.