By Kei Emmanuel Duku
First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny has reiterated his call for the establishment of a federal justice system to enhance access to justice for South Sudanese citizens at the grassroots level.
His remarks came during the launch of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs’ strategic plan.
Dr. Machar said that the strategic plan aligns with the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, which mandates a transition from a decentralized to a federal system.
He emphasized the need to empower local governments with resources and authority to deliver effective justice services.
Recalling the provisions of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, Dr. Machar noted that the earlier push for decentralized justice administration faced resistance due to concerns over the imposition of Sharia law by the Khartoum government.
He argued that now, as an independent nation, South Sudan must establish a federal justice system across its ten states and administrative areas.
The strategic plan put forth by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs includes a structure comprising 10 directorates and 14 units, addressing areas such as human rights, customary laws, and arbitration.
Dr. Machar challenged the ministry to create a devolution unit dedicated to guiding the country toward a federal system.
“During the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, there was a lack of consensus on decentralizing justice administration and the judiciary,” Dr. Machar stated. “Now that our people are demanding federal systems, the strategic plans must align with their aspirations.”
The First Vice President further urged the ministry to collaborate with public and private universities to train more lawyers and judges.
He stressed the necessity of decentralizing legal services to ensure timely access to justice at the state, county, and Payam levels.
Dr. Gabriel Isaac Awow, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, underscored the strategic plan’s significance in implementing the necessary reforms outlined in Chapter 3 of the 2018 peace agreement.
He noted that the ministry has made significant progress in drafting the constitution-making process, transitional justice mechanisms, and the Commission on Truth, Healing, and Reconciliation.