Judiciary Reshuffle Sees Dozens of Judges Promoted

(JUBA) – President Salva Kiir has promoted 39 judges in a broad judicial reshuffle, marking what many observers see as a key step towards improving South Sudan’s legal system and addressing long standing challenges in the delivery of justice.

The promotions were announced on Thursday in a presidential decree aired on South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC). The decree stated that six judges from the Court of Appeal had been appointed to the Supreme Court.

Eighteen judges were moved up from the High Court to the Court of Appeal, while fifteen First Grade County Court judges were promoted to the High Court.

This reform follows the appointment of Dr Benjamin Baak Deng as Chief Justice in June. Dr Baak has pledged to carry out major reforms in the judiciary, including the long delayed promotion of judges, the digital transformation of court systems and the introduction of a strategic plan to reduce delays and improve access to justice.

The changes come following growing public dissatisfaction with the slow pace of legal proceedings in South Sudan. Many citizens often wait months or even years for their cases to be resolved. Human rights groups have raised repeated concerns that the lack of judges and outdated procedures are denying many South Sudanese fair and timely trials.

Although no specific budget figures were mentioned, the expansion of the judiciary is expected to raise operational costs.

Among those promoted to the Supreme Court are Stephen Simon Benjingwa, Bol Lul Wang, Isaac Pur Majak, William Kaya Pacifico, Makur Machok Manyuon and Kulang Jeroboam Machor.

Eighteen judges promoted to the Court of Appeal include Andrew Joshua Lado, Duoth Kulang Bichiok, Malou Yel Akok, Garang Ajang Deng, Kuol Monytoch Deng, Obaj Denyong Anyong, Somaya Sami Abdallah, Noah Gabriel Kau, Aban Tor Onwar, Abrahm Majur Lat, Dr Takimo Othuan Dak, Alexander Sabor Subek, Michael Atem Chol, Nicola Nyuol Makuach, Mathiang Kuach Mathiang, Bol Ayuel Akuei, John Yel Aleu and Dr Charles Oya Nyawelo.

The fifteen judges elevated to the High Court include Id Sabit Id Adam, Digo Sebit Abraham, Dudu Jackson Jajen, Lawrence Basnsho Jajen, Joshua Ladu, Peter Nyok Duok, Peter Madhel Chol, Ohgwnic Kuot Okero, Yai Anyuon Akot, Mojahid Abdalla Adam, Sabit Bullen Laku, Angelo Daniel Gwenga, Mengisto Amos Waja, Malek Chol Malek and Francis Amum Owin.

The list of judges promoted from Second Grade to First Grade County Court has not yet been released by the Office of the President.

The success of the reform will likely depend on continued political support, adequate funding and whether the judiciary is empowered to operate independently and efficiently.

Below is the full list of promoted judges:

Promoted to the Supreme Court (from Court of Appeal)