3150: DEMOCRACY IN ACTION: Traditional Leaders Call for Stronger Role in South Sudan’s Peace and Governance

This episode examines the role of traditional authorities in South Sudan and the challenges facing the Council of Traditional Authority Leaders (COTAL). While chiefs remain central to community cohesion, their impact is weakened by unclear legal mandates, poor coordination with government, rising security pressures, and limited inclusion of women. The discussion explores how strengthening customary leadership can improve conflict resolution, governance, and reconciliation. Panelists: Prince Tadeo Mario Sasa, NCOTAL Secretariat Secretary General  Chief Magdalena Tito, Chairperson of Eastern Equatoria State COTAL, member of NCOTAL Secretariat  Chief Kuol Amet Kuol, Representative of Warrap State COTAL, member of NCOTAL Secretariat