By Matik Kueth
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir on Monday swore in Dr. Benjamin Baak Deng as the country’s new Chief Justice.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the presidential palace, also saw Laku Tranquilo Nyombe take the role of Deputy Chief Justice, with both officials taking their oaths under the supervision of Supreme Court Justice Dr. James Alala Deng.
President Kiir fired the previous Chief Justice Chan Reec Madut and his deputy, John Gatwech Lul, while the National Legislative Assembly, which oversees vetting judicial appointments, was in recess.
Kiir emphasized the crucial role of a strong judiciary in ensuring national stability and justice.
He pointed to long-standing institutional issues such as delayed case resolutions, lack of access to courts in rural regions, and limited enforcement of rulings.
The head of state also urged the new judicial leadership to promote transparency, independence from political influence, and the implementation of ethical standards and anti-corruption initiatives, as well as to improve working conditions and regularize judicial officer salaries.
On his part, Dr. Baak acknowledged the deep-rooted challenges facing South Sudan’s judiciary, particularly a backlog of unresolved legal cases.
He vowed to lead reforms that would enhance court efficiency and restore public confidence, while appealing for sustained government support.
With over four decades of legal experience, his portfolio includes a law degree and three advanced legal certifications from the University of Khartoum. Legal observers believe Dr. Baak’s selection has the potential to alter the profession.
His career began in Sudan in 1979. Along the way, he served in roles as a Court of Appeal Judge and Supreme Court Justice, with experience across diverse jurisdictions in both Sudan and South Sudan.
Many in the legal community hope that Dr. Baak’s rise to the helm will usher in long-awaited reforms and a renewed commitment to judicial independence in a system often criticized for political meddling and underperformance.