South Sudan’s Judiciary Launches New 5 Year Strategic Reform Plan

(Juba) – The Judiciary of South Sudan has officially launched its Strategic Plan for the years 2025 to 2029, a framework aimed at strengthening justice delivery and promoting the rule of law across the country.

The initiative is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

The new plan sets out a roadmap for building a more independent and effective judiciary. According to the UNDP, the Strategic Plan is guided by the vision of a justice system that is accessible, efficient, and trusted by the people.

It outlines key reforms to improve court administration, enhance judicial training, ensure greater accountability, and expand access to legal services for ordinary citizens.

The plan comes at a time when South Sudan continues to face major challenges in delivering timely and fair justice, especially in remote and underserved regions.

Many citizens rely on customary courts, while formal courts often struggle with understaffing, delayed case processing, and limited infrastructure.

The Judiciary hopes to rebuild public trust and assert its independence as a co-equal branch of government by committing to long-term reforms.

The plan also responds to calls from civil society and international partners for stronger legal institutions that can help prevent conflict and support peacebuilding efforts.

UNDP South Sudan, which has been working with the judiciary for years, welcomed the launch of the strategy, describing it as a major step toward delivering justice for all.

UNMISS, which also supported the process, emphasized the importance of an impartial legal system in sustaining peace and protecting human rights.

The Strategic Plan 2025–2029 will guide the Judiciary’s actions over the next five years, offering a framework for partnerships with donors, civil society, and government institutions.

It sets measurable targets for reducing case backlogs, increasing transparency, and training more judges and court personnel.

UNDP reiterated its continued commitment to supporting South Sudan’s judicial reform process, noting that strong legal systems are essential for upholding the rule of law and achieving the country’s development goals under the Revitalized Peace Agreement.