Activist Presses for Independent, Reformed Judiciary

By Jenifer James

Civil society activist Edmund Yakani has called on South Sudan’s newly appointed Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice to take bold steps in leading comprehensive reforms in the country’s judiciary, emphasising the importance of judicial independence, accountability, and timely justice.

Yakani’s appeal comes in the wake of President Salva Kiir’s recent remarks urging the judiciary to uphold transparency and deliver justice without delay.

In a statement to the media on Wednesday, Edmund Yakani stressed that the success of judicial reforms hinges on strong political will and financial backing from the executive and legislative arms of government.

“My first message to His Excellency, the President, and the leadership in the Council of Ministers is that these words will only be translated into action if the new judiciary leadership is politically and financially supported and if their independence and neutrality are protected,” he said.

Congratulating President Kiir for his strong message on judicial reform, Yakani added, “That’s the voice of the citizen. That’s the concern of the citizen. Now the challenge is on the new leadership of the judiciary.”

He also issued a pointed reminder to Chief Justice Chan Reec Madut and his deputy: “Public trust and confidence in our judiciary’s independence and neutrality have been very low. It is now your responsibility to prove to the nation that you are independent, impartial, and free from political influence. That will be the key to winning the confidence of the people.”

Yakani warned against allowing politics or nepotism to shape the judiciary’s work. “The judiciary is a professional institution. It does not require politics, nepotism, discrimination, or selective justice. The law was made to govern politics, not the other way around.”

He called for the prompt delivery of justice across the country and urged the leadership to ensure equal access to justice for all South Sudanese citizens. “When the rule of law is upheld through best practices, political stability will follow,” he noted.

Yakani urged the judiciary and government to organise a National Judicial Reform Conference.

“Before you fully begin your duties following your inauguration, we appeal to the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, and Minister of Justice, with support from the President, to convene a national judicial reform conference,” he said. “This will allow legal experts and stakeholders from across the country to shape meaningful reforms that truly serve the interests of our citizens.”

Last week, President Kiir appointed new Chief Justice Dr. Benjamin Baak Deng, replacing former Chief Justice Chan Reech Madut.