(AWEIL) – The Governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, Simon Ober Mawut, has inaugurated the state’s first ever County Commissioners’ and Mayors’ Forum since independence. The event, held in Aweil on Monday, brought together commissioners, mayors, state ministers, traditional leaders and development partners in a five day engagement aimed at strengthening governance and addressing local disputes.
In his opening speech, the Governor urged county administrations and paramount chiefs to stop the random creation of new chieftainships.
He emphasised that the focus of both state and local governments should be on delivering essential services to the people. He further called for unity among leaders to end recurring disputes over land borders within the state, stressing that such conflicts only delay development.
The forum, which runs for five days, is being held under the theme “Building a Peaceful and Prosperous Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.”
It is part of the implementation of Resolution 26 of the 8th Governors’ Forum of 2025. The resolution directs states and administrative areas to hold inclusive forums where commissioners, ministers, traditional leaders and partners can share challenges and experiences and agree on collective strategies for addressing issues affecting local administrations.
Participants are expected to discuss policies related to governance, conflict resolution, service delivery, and community development. By the end of the forum, county leaders are expected to present joint resolutions that align with state and national priorities.
Mawut stressed that peace and unity are key for prosperity. He urged leaders to put the interests of the people above personal or political interests. He also reiterated that local government reforms are central to achieving stability and improving living standards in Northern Bahr el Ghazal.
The forum also provides an opportunity for traditional leaders and government officials to review their roles and responsibilities in relation to community service delivery. According to state officials, the discussions are expected to contribute to building a more coordinated approach to governance, one that reduces overlapping roles and prevents disputes that often arise between local administrations.
Objectives of the Northern Bahr el Ghazal Commissioners’ Forum
| Objective | Focus Area | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| End random creation of chieftainships | Governance reforms | Clear and accountable local leadership |
| Resolve land border disputes | Conflict resolution | Reduced tensions and improved community relations |
| Strengthen service delivery | Health, education, and infrastructure | Improved livelihoods and access to services |
| Enhance coordination | State, county, and traditional leaders | Joint strategies and common policies |
| Promote peace and prosperity | Community development | Stable and united state |