South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Monday, instructed the newly appointed Chief Justice, Dr. Benjamin Baak Deng Bol, to prioritise the swift trial of cases in order to reduce the growing backlog in the courts.
The president emphasised the urgent need to deliver timely justice and restore public confidence in the legal system.
Kiir issued this directive during the swearing-in ceremony of the chief justice and his deputy, Laku Tranquilo Nyombe, which was administered by Supreme Court Justice Dr. James Alala Deng at the State House on Monday.
“I therefore urge you both to take the lead in undertaking comprehensive reforms within the judiciary and ensure that all delayed and pending cases are cleared,” Kiir told SSBC on Monday.
Kiir directed the chief justice to ensure that judges are trained in moral ethics and that their salaries and allowances are paid on time to deliver fair justice.
“Your leadership must be marked by transparency, accountability, and timely justice delivery to all citizens without any delay. Judges must be trained in moral ethics, and their salaries and allowances must be paid on time.”
He also instructed the leadership to dismiss corrupt judges and replace them with those who can adhere to their judicial oaths with true allegiance.
“Ensure that corrupt judges are dismissed and new ones enrolled. You must work together to build a judiciary that serves the people, protects rights, and strengthens the rule of law,” he said.
He stated that this is essential for the peace, unity, and development of our country.
“As your president, I assure you of my full support for these vital reforms to strengthen the judiciary system,” he said.
“The challenges facing the judiciary are many, but with your support, we can, together with my colleagues in the judiciary, manage the backlog. We are aware of the challenges facing us and the country as a whole.”
The Supreme Court has only five active judges out of 11, while the Court of Appeal has seven active members out of 18.
There are only 22 active judges out of 30 in the High Court, and in the lower county courts, there are 19 active out of 43 magistrates.
In July 2017, President Salva Kiir dismissed 14 judges after they went on strike to demand better working conditions and the removal of Chief Justice Chan Reech Madut from the bench for ignoring their pleas to improve their working conditions.
