By Yiep Joseph
President Salva Kiir has directed the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Michael Makuei Lueth, to address the backlog of cases in the judiciary.
The President made the directive on Wednesday during the swearing-in of newly appointed officials.
According to the statement obtained from the president’s press unit, Kiir directed Makuei to reform the ministry and judiciary system in the country.
“You must address the backlog of cases in the judiciary and work toward improving the delivery of justice to our people,” President Kiir told the minister.
According to the presidential press unit, the head of state gave a clear directive to the minister to prioritize reforms in the justice sector.
However, in a general message to the officials, the president has called for joint efforts and teamwork toward addressing the hardship facing the country.
The Head of State expressed optimism that the new officials will bring renewed energy to the administration’s efforts, which are directed towards restoring confidence and improving conditions across the country.
In 2024 the judiciary required more funds to reduce case backlogs in South Sudan.
The former Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Ruben Madol Arol made the call during a consultative meeting of the Judicial Reform Committee (JRC) members in Juba.
“The cooperation and collaboration in dealing with the backlog of cases between the police, prosecutors, and judges is there, but all that needs to be done is to put in more commitment, effort, and resources,” said Madol.
The JCR is responsible for assessing the functionality of the judiciary system as per the 2018 revitalized peace agreement. The body is mandated to investigate and report its findings on the judicial system to the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU).