SOUTH SUDAN: President Salva Kiir Installs Dr. Benjamin Baak Deng As New Chief Justice Of South Sudan

By Deborah Akur Chol, South Sudan

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit, has officially appointed Dr. Benjamin Baak Deng as the new Chief Justice on Monday, emphasizing the importance of judicial reforms in the nation.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at the presidential office, followed the recent dismissal of former Chief Justice Chan Reec Madut and his deputy John Gatwech Lul.

Dr. Baak was sworn in alongside his newly appointed deputy, Laku Tranquilo Nyombe, with the oath administered by Supreme Court Justice Dr. James Alala Deng. Notably, these appointments have not yet received approval from the National Legislative Assembly, which is currently in recess.

According to South Sudan’s constitution, justices of the Supreme Court must be appointed by the president based on recommendations from the Judicial Service Commission and subsequently require a two-thirds majority approval from the assembly.

The judiciary in South Sudan, although constitutionally independent from the executive and legislative branches, has faced significant public and professional criticism regarding inefficiency, inadequate working conditions for judges, and alleged political interference.

During the ceremony, President Kiir highlighted the judiciary’s crucial role as the “foundation of justice and stability in any nation,” while openly acknowledging persistent systemic issues, such as case backlogs, inconsistent enforcement of rulings, and limited access to justice in rural areas.

He called upon the new judicial leadership to prioritize transparency, accountability, and the timely delivery of justice. “The judiciary must operate independently and remain free from political interference,” Kiir asserted, advocating for the ethical training of judges, prompt payment of salaries, and robust anti-corruption measures.

In his acceptance speech, Chief Justice Baak expressed his commitment to addressing the substantial backlog of unresolved cases and called for increased government support to tackle the judiciary’s enduring challenges.

The transition in leadership comes at a time when legal experts and citizens are advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of South Sudan’s justice system, which they argue has been hampered by delays, insufficient funding, and pervasive political influence.

Dr. Baak brings a wealth of legal experience to his new role. He began his career at the University of Khartoum, where he obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 1978, followed by advanced degrees, including a Postgraduate Diploma in Law (2000), a Master of Laws in Intellectual Property (2004), and a PhD in International Environmental Law (2013).

Dr. Baak’s judicial career commenced in 1979 as a Judicial Legal Assistant in Sudan. Over the years, he held various positions, including Second Grade Judge (1981), President of the Council of Magistrates (1983), First Grade Judge (1986), Judge of the Court of Appeal (1995), and was appointed to Sudan’s Supreme Court in 2002. His judicial work has encompassed both rural and urban courts throughout Sudan and South Sudan, with assignments in cities such as Malakal, Bentiu, Bor, Wau, and El Obeid.

Legal experts regard his appointment as a testament to his extensive judicial knowledge and unwavering dedication to the rule of law.