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<<Objectives and Programme
<<Modern Government and Traditional Structures in South Sudan

Modern Government and Traditional Structures: An open consultation on present challenges in the South Sudan
April 14 – 16, 2005, Hotel “Beau Lac”, Neuchâtel /Neuenburg, (Switzerland)

Agenda

Day One

I. The role of the traditional structures in the African state
Aim : to put the concept of a traditional leaders’ forum in a larger social and political context
§ The roles of tribes in the African State
§ The challenge of transition – and the institutional vacuum
§ Demobilisation of militias

II. The functions of a Forum in the South Sudan

Aim: to clarify the concept of the forum, and its possible role in the South Sudan

The settlement of disputes between communities, in Beja
The settlement of disputes in the South Sudan
The role and reform of customary law in the South Sudan
The role of women and customary law
Protecting cultural diversity - recognizing the numerous identities
Protecting the political culture: Authority and democracy
Transparency and consensus
Strengthening the integrity and independence of the judiciary
The value of traditional leaders’ forums for the government of the South Sudan

Day Two

III. Operational issues – internal working mechanism of a forum

Aim: to clarify the structure, the membership and internal working methods of the forum

are there different levels of traditional leaders’ forum: national, state level and local level?
Accreditation
working mechanise: electing chairman, steering committees?
voting or consensus?
rotation
access for women and youth
financial issues

Day Three

IV. Operational issues – external relations of a forum
Aim: to clarify the relations of the forum with the political authorities in the South Sudan,
with similar institutions in North Sudan, in Africa, and with the international community
Definition of the competence of the forum – relation to the constitution of the South
Relation between formal government and the traditional leaders’ forum
Relation with similar forums in the North Sudan
Relations with similar forums in other African states
African support for establishing the traditional leaders’ forum
International support for establishing the traditional leaders’ forum

V. Conclusion

Aim: to formulate suggestions on how to proceed regarding a traditional leaders’ forum
Recommendations from the participants with regard to the opportunity of establishing a forum.
Recommendations from the participants with regard to the specific functions of the forum.
Recommendations from the participants with regards to operational aspects of the forum.