South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Thursday promoted judges across various court levels in the country, according to a decree broadcast on state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC).
Kiir elevated six judges from the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court: Stephen Simon Benjingwa, Bol Lul Wang, Isaac Pur Majak, William Kaya Pacifico, Makur Machok Manyon, and Kulang Jeroboam Machor.
He also promoted 18 judges from the High Court to the Court of Appeal: Andrew Joshua Ladu, Duoth Kulang Bichiok, Malou Yel Akok, Garang Ajang Deng, Kuol Monytoch Deng, Obaj Denyong Anyong, Sumeya Sallah Abdallah, Noah Gabriel Kau, Aban Tor Onwar, Abrahm Majur Lat, Takimo Othuan Dak, Alexander Sabor Subek, Michael Atem Chol, Nicola Nyuol Makuach, Mathiang Kuach Mathiang, Bol Ayuel Akuei, John Yel Aleu, and Charles Oyoo Nyawelo.
Additional promotions included judges moving from First Grade County Court to the High Court, and Second Grade County Court judges elevated to First Grade.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Dr. Geri Raimondo, a prominent South Sudanese jurist and legal scholar, welcomed the promotions, attributing them to the efforts of the new Chief Justice.
“It’s good now—in the Supreme Court, we have at least a Supreme Court which can deal with all matters relating to human rights. Any matter relating to human rights is now under the jurisdiction of the constitutional panel,” Raimondo said.
“Now, we have a quorum of nine plus one justices of the Supreme Court which can deal with all matters relating to constitutional matters, any violations. So now we are ready even for the upcoming election to deal with all cases relating to violation of the constitution or election act of next year in December 2026. First of all, I can say congratulations to the new judges,” he added.
Raimondo noted that alongside the promotions, new judicial recruitment is underway to fill vacancies in the High Court and lower courts.
“Last week, we saw new vacancies open for the recruitment of High Court judges, County Court judges at all levels—second grade, first grade—and judicial assistants. For judges of the County Court and High Court, these are experienced individuals, while judicial assistants are new graduates joining the judiciary. This is a good start for South Sudan’s judiciary,” he said.
Ter Manyang Gatwech, a civil society activist, also praised the move, calling it long overdue and a step toward restoring public trust in the justice system.
“This is long overdue, due to the efforts of the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and the Chief Justice. Many South Sudanese had lost trust in the judicial system, and now the new Minister is working to regain that trust. This is a good move and will help rebuild confidence among South Sudanese communities,” Manyang said.
In late May, President Kiir appointed Benjamin Bak Deng as the new chief justice, replacing Chan Reec Madut.
Most South Sudanese courts are backlogged with criminal cases because there are not enough judges to hear the cases and conduct trials.