By John Akoon
President of the High Court in Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, Abraham Majur Lat, has assured political party leaders of the judiciary’s impartiality.
Speaking at a three-day workshop meant to promote civic and political space in the state, Majur addressed concerns about judicial corruption and political bias.
Majur emphasized that the judiciary operates independently and has no affiliations with any political parties, particularly as the country prepares for upcoming elections.
“We are being held accountable in which we are not part and parcel of it. The Judiciary system is very independent. We all treated the political parties equally before the law. Because it is the requirements of the law that everyone is equal before the law,” Majur said.
“Political parties whether at their capacity. Judiciary treat you equally. Because we have no colors. Because when we talk about corruption [at institutions], I can challenge you until today. Because there is no corruption case or any political case brought before the court,” he added.
Majur noted that no cases have been filed in the courts at either the national or state levels that could be deemed problematic.
“No case has been brought before us whether at the national level or at the state levels. But you said the Judiciary is not doing its own work. We are doing our work. Bring your case and prove your case and see what is the law says,” he told the political party leaders.
As South Sudan prepares for anticipated elections, discussions around judicial reforms have gained prominence among political parties seeking to participate.
Last year, concerns about judicial independence were raised after Chief Justice Chan Reech Madut was seen attending an SPLM rally in Western Bahr El Ghazal State, Wau.
This appearance sparked outrage among some politicians, including Advocate Gabriel Kuot Akok, leader of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).
He questioned the judiciary’s independence, arguing that the Chief Justice’s attendance at the rally violated Article 125 of the transitional constitution.
“How independent is our Judiciary branch to address the election disputes between SPLM and other opposition parties in case of there would be irregularities?” Kuot posed, as quoted in last year by some media outlets.
“Judiciary is SPLmised which is a violation of article 125 (1) of the transitional constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, 2011. Elections will never be fair, free, and credible,” he added.