Kiir Swears in Six Justices, Urges Judicial Integrity

(JUBA) – President Salva Kiir has urged six newly appointed justices of the Supreme Court of South Sudan to carry out their duties with integrity, professionalism and a deep commitment to justice, as the country continues its efforts to reform the judicial system.

The call was made during a swearing in ceremony held on Tuesday at the State House in Juba, where the six judges officially took their oaths of office. In a statement issued by the Office of the President, Kiir emphasised that the appointments were not simply an act of trust but a mandate that carries great responsibility.

The president called on the new justices to help build an independent judiciary that promotes peace, stability, and equal access to justice across the country. He said their new positions required them to go beyond legal interpretations and serve as protectors of fairness and human rights.

“Their conduct must reflect the dignity and integrity of the office they now hold,” the statement read in part.

Chief Justice Dr Benjamin Baak Deng, who administered the oath, echoed the president’s message and urged the new justices to help clear the backlog of unresolved cases in the court system. He stressed the importance of timely justice, warning that continued delays undermine public confidence in the judiciary.

“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Dr Deng said.

The newly appointed Supreme Court justices are Stephen Simon Benjingwa, Bol Lul Wang, Isaac Pur Majak, William Kaya Pacifico, Makur Machok Manyuon, and Kulang Jeroboam Machor. Their elevation to the country’s highest court was announced earlier this month through a presidential decree that also promoted several other judicial officers to higher positions within the judiciary.

These appointments are part of a broader reform programme being spearheaded by Chief Justice Dr Deng, who assumed office in June 2025. Upon taking office, Dr Deng outlined a vision for the judiciary that includes overdue staff promotions, investment in digital infrastructure,and the creation of a new long term strategic plan to improve judicial performance.

South Sudan’s judicial system has long struggled with delays, limited resources  and a shortage of qualified personnel. According to legal observers, the recent appointments, while a positive step, must be supported with broader structural reforms and adequate funding to ensure long term impact.

New Supreme Court Appointments – July 2025