Activist Urges New Chief Justice to Reform Judiciary

By Awan Achiek

A prominent activist urged the incoming Chief Justice, Dr. Benjamin Bak Deng, to implement reforms within the judiciary to enhance its independence.

Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO), emphasised that judicial reform is crucial for restoring public confidence in this branch of government.

“The pressure on the new incoming leadership of the judiciary will involve a robust response to the numerous expectations of the citizens,” Yakani told the media on Thursday.

Yakani emphasised the need to reform the judiciary in the best interest of justice delivery.

“Our expectation is to see the newly appointed leadership of the judiciary undertake the necessary reforms as outlined in the report submitted to His Excellency the President on judiciary reforms,” he said.

“We hope that His Excellency the President will have the political will to ensure that the judiciary delivers what is required from them in relation to these reforms.”

He urged the new Chief Justice to commit to the principle of non-partisanship.

“Citizens have high expectations regarding judicial reforms in the country because access to justice is being delayed, and the application of the rule of law is not proceeding as required by the constitution.”

He stressed the need to address arbitrary actions associated with the application of the rule of law and respect for human rights.

“We are calling on the new Chief Justice and the new Deputy Chief Justice to consider holding a national judiciary conference with the legal fraternity across the country to discuss matters related to the operationalisation of the judiciary reforms.”

On Wednesday, President Salva Kiir Mayardit sacked the long-serving Chief Justice and Supreme Court President in a surprise presidential decree announced on state broadcaster SSBC on Wednesday night.

Chan Reec Madut, who had served as Chief Justice for more than 13 years, was replaced by Benjamin Bak Deng.

Deputy Chief Justice John Gatwech Lul was also dismissed, with Laku Trankilo Nyumbi appointed as his successor.

Madut was appointed by Kiir in August 2011, shortly after South Sudan gained independence from Sudan.