South Sudan to set up proper judicial system, says reform body

March 10, 2024 (JUBA) – Plans are underway to establish a proper judicial system in South Sudan, James Ogoola, the Judicial Reform Committee (JRC) chairperson has disclosed.

He was speaking at a JRC consultative meeting held in Juba on Saturday last week.

“We want in South Sudan in the near future, medium and for long term, the judiciary that is efficient, effective, competent, one that delivers access to justice for its court users,” said Ogoola.

He added, “We want a judiciary which delivers its work without fear from anybody or favor to anybody, which has appropriate tools for its job, a judiciary that will be equal to the challenges of post-conflict South Sudan”.

The JCR is responsible for assessing the functionality of the judiciary system as per the 2018 peace deal. The body is mandated to investigate and report its findings on the judicial system to the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU).

Meanwhile, South Sudan’s Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister, Ruben Madol Arol said the judiciary requires funds to reduce the numerous case backlogs in the country.

“The cooperation and collaboration in dealing with backlog of cases between the police, prosecutors and judges is there, but all that needs to be done is to put more commitment, efforts and resources,” said Madol.

He said underfunding has affected effectiveness of the judicial system in the country.

According to Madol, the establishment of mobile courts requires finances to facilitate judges, prosecutors and police to go to places where their services are required.

Madol said police, prosecutors and judges are mandated to expedite justice.

‘We want to come up with plan to address case backlog, it is possible for the same Judicial Service Commission to come up with a plan on how to approach case backlog and get resources for judges to do what is required,” he stressed.

(ST)