South Sudan: President Kiir Swears In New Chief Justice, Pledges Deep Judicial Reforms

Edited by: Widad WAHBI

In a move seen as a potential turning point for South Sudan’s fragile justice system, President Salva Kiir Mayardit presided over the swearing-in of Dr. Benjamin Baak Deng Bol as the country’s new Chief Justice during a ceremony held Monday at the Presidential Palace in Juba.

Dr. Baak, now the highest-ranking figure in the judiciary, will be supported by newly appointed Deputy Chief Justice Laku Tranquilo Nyombe. The oath of office was administered by Supreme Court Justice Dr. James Alala Deng.

During his address, President Kiir underlined the judiciary’s pivotal role as the “bedrock of justice and national stability,” asserting that a credible legal system is indispensable for lasting peace and sustainable development.

He also voiced several longstanding concerns, including delayed court proceedings, limited access to justice in remote regions, and weak enforcement of judicial decisions. He emphasized that the judiciary must maintain independence from political influence and operate with transparency and integrity.

Calling for sweeping institutional reforms, the President urged the new judicial leadership to resolve the backlog of pending cases and prioritize accountability. He further stressed the need for ethical training for judges, timely disbursement of judicial salaries, and decisive action to combat corruption within the system.

In his first speech as Chief Justice, Dr. Baak acknowledged the scale of the task ahead, especially the challenge of thousands of unresolved cases. He called on the government for enhanced institutional support to strengthen the rule of law.

Observers say these appointments, coupled with the President’s reformist tone, could mark a new chapter in the evolution of South Sudan’s judiciary.