South Sudan’s President Fires Long-Time Chief Justice

By Deborah Akur Chol, South Sudan

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has unexpectedly fired the chief justice of South Sudan High Court, Chan Reec Madut, over alleged corruption.

Madut had been chief justice for over 13 years. His termination of appointment was announced on the state broadcaster SSBC on Wednesday night.

Chan Reec Madut was replaced by Benjamin Bak Deng.

The Deputy Chief Justice, John Gatwech Lul, was also fired, and Laku Trankilo Nyumbi took over.

Madut was appointed by Kiir in August 2011, soon after South Sudan became independent from Sudan. Before being chief justice, he helped oversee the vote for independence.

During Madut’s time in office, there were many problems in the judiciary, like insufficient judges, poor facilities, and no training for judges.

There were also worries about corruption and the government interfering in legal matters.

Recently, Madut faced increasing pressure. A group of South Sudanese lawyers had asked President Kiir to remove him, claiming he did not provide justice.

The masses began to doubt his fairness in October 2015 when he supported Kiir’s decision to create 28 new states, which went against the established constitution.

Madut’s firing came at a time when opposition leader and First Vice President Riek Machar is still under house arrest.

He has been there since March 26 and is set to be tried for alleged involvement in violence in Nasir, Upper Nile State.