S. Sudan's traditional chiefs demand role toward conflict resolution

South Sudanese traditional chiefs on Thursday demanded a greater role in peace and reconciliation efforts toward ending the more than two years of conflict in the nation.

In a joint statement issued in the capital Juba, the traditional chiefs agreed to foster unity and bring an end to the ongoing fighting along ethnic lines.

"We commit to promote peace, unity and stimulate coexistence between communities. We commit to avoid engaging in or supporting tribalism, nepotism and corruption," the statement said.

The UN has warned that the war-torn country risked descending into genocide due to intensified targeted killings along ethnic lines in areas like Yei, southwest of the capital Juba.

"We commit to interact at the grassroots level and organize monthly meetings at churches, markets on the risks of illegal arms and need for disarmament, peace and reconciliation," the statement added.

South Sudan fell into civil war in December 2013 after a fall-out between President Salva Kiir and his sacked deputy Riek Machar. Tens of thousands have been killed in fighting between the rival factions since then.

The August peace deal last year to end the war has been largely for the political elites, hence leaving out the traditional leaders, and has failed as renewed fighting erupted in July.

The traditional chiefs urged the peace brokers and monitors together with the transitional unity government formed in April to consider their views and role in the search for peace in the war-torn country.

"We urge the transitional unity government, peace brokers and monitors to involve traditional leaders in peace process and implementation of the peace agreement," the statement said. Endit