President Salva Kiir on Wednesday night dismissed Chief Justice Chan Reec Madut, who has held the position since 2011. The announcement, aired on the state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), also confirmed the removal of Deputy Chief Justice John Gatwech Lul.
The president provided no official explanation for the high-profile dismissals, which come amid growing political uncertainty and the continued house arrest of First Vice President and opposition leader Riek Machar. Machar has been confined since March 26, adding to speculation that the judiciary reshuffle may be linked to ongoing internal political dynamics.
Chan Reec Madut was one of the key figures appointed by President Kiir following South Sudan’s independence from Sudan in July 2011. During his tenure, Madut oversaw the establishment of the country’s fledgling judicial system, navigating through years of civil conflict and attempts at peacebuilding.
Benjamin Bak Deng has been named as the new Chief Justice. Deng brings a wealth of legal experience to the role, having served in various judicial capacities in Sudan prior to South Sudan’s independence. Until his recent appointment, he was the Director of Training and Research at the Judiciary and a member of the Supreme Court, positioning him well within the legal framework of the country.
Laku Trankilo Nyumbi has been appointed as the Deputy Chief Justice. Nyumbi previously served as the Director of Judges’ Affairs and was also a key member of the Judiciary Service Commission, the body responsible for overseeing the functioning and independence of the judiciary.
The timing of the reshuffle has raised eyebrows among political analysts and civil society observers. With opposition figures sidelined and the judiciary undergoing major leadership changes, questions are emerging about the independence of South Sudan’s legal institutions.
The international community continues to urge South Sudan’s leaders to uphold the rule of law and ensure that all government branches, including the judiciary, function independently and transparently in order to support lasting peace and democratic development in the country.
