Traditional chiefs were the gatekeepers and protectors of South Sudan cultures against colonialism and the hegemony of national governments.
Cherry Leonardi from Durham University in the UK said chiefs and their courts played a vital role in interpreting and shaping moral and legal cultures.She explained that the chiefs were the symbol of traditions and founders of local communities.
Dr. Leonardi said the role of chiefs was key for the full knowledge of local history.
She added that chiefs acted as gatekeepers because they were translators for the colonials and national governments.
Dr. Leonardi said the chiefs’ role also involved selective translation and even concealing some trends to defend the culture and keep governments away from their local affairs.
Dr. Leonardi made these remarks during her presentation on History of Chiefs in South Sudan, during a public lecture organized by Rift Valley Institute at University of Juba.
The public lecture ended this evening.