(JUBA) – President Salva Kiir has promoted several judges across all levels of South Sudan’s judiciary, in what observers see as a significant step towards reforming the country’s justice system.
The appointments were made public through a presidential decree broadcast on South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) on Thursday. According to the decree, six judges have been promoted from the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court. Eighteen High Court judges were elevated to the Court of Appeal, while fifteen First Grade County Court judges were promoted to the High Court.
The changes follow the appointment of the new Chief Justice, Dr Benjamin Baak Deng, who has pledged to reform the judiciary. Speaking in June, Dr Baak outlined his agenda which included long-delayed judicial promotions, the digitisation of court systems, and the development of a new strategic plan to tackle systemic delays.
The shake up also comes amid rising public concerns over the backlog of legal cases. Human rights advocates have repeatedly warned that limited numbers of judges and outdated court systems are undermining citizens’ access to justice.
In a country where many South Sudanese continue to wait months or even years for court decisions, the new appointments are expected to relieve pressure on the overburdened judiciary.
The following judges were promoted as part of the decree:
Promoted to the Supreme Court (from the Court of Appeal):
| No. | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Stephen Simon Benjingwa |
| 2 | Bol Lul Wang |
| 3 | Isaac Pur Majak |
| 4 | William Kaya Pacifico |
| 5 | Makur Machok Manyuon |
| 6 | Kulang Jeroboam Machor |
Promoted to the Court of Appeal (from the High Court):
| No. | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Andrew Joshua Lado |
| 2 | Duoth Kulang Bichiok |
| 3 | Malou Yel Akok |
| 4 | Garang Ajang Deng |
| 5 | Kuol Monytoch Deng |
| 6 | Obaj Denyong Anyong |
| 7 | Somaya Sami Abdallah |
| 8 | Noah Gabriel Kau |
| 9 | Aban Tor Onwar |
| 10 | Abrahm Majur Lat |
| 11 | Dr. Takimo Othuan Dak |
| 12 | Alexander Sabor Subek |
| 13 | Michael Atem Chol |
| 14 | Nicola Nyuol Makuach |
| 15 | Mathiang Kuach Mathiang |
| 16 | Bol Ayuel Akuei |
| 17 | John Yel Aleu |
| 18 | Dr. Charles Oya Nyawelo |
Promoted to the High Court (from First Grade County Court):
| No. | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Id Sabit Id Adam |
| 2 | Digo Sebit Abraham |
| 3 | Dudu Jackson Jajen |
| 4 | Lawrence Basnsho Jajen |
| 5 | Joshua Ladu |
| 6 | Peter Nyok Duok |
| 7 | Peter Madhel Chol |
| 8 | Ohgwnic Kuot Okero |
| 9 | Yai Anyuon Akot |
| 10 | Mojahid Abdalla Adam |
| 11 | Sabit Bullen Laku |
| 12 | Angelo Daniel Gwenga |
| 13 | Mengisto Amos Waja |
| 14 | Malek Chol Malek |
| 15 | Francis Amum Owin |
The list of judges promoted from Second Grade to First Grade County Court is yet to be officially released.
No budgetary figures were disclosed, but such reforms are likely to increase operational costs for the judiciary.
