By Aguok Chok
A high-level delegation of Judges from Juba, led by the President of the High Court, Justice Malou Yel Akook, is in Warrap State to expedite the delivery of justice in the state.
Governor Ambassador Bol Wek Agoth received the group on Monday in the State capital, Kuajok.
The delegation plan to establish competent mobile courts across Warrap State to enhance access to justice for the citizens.
The courts are expected to reduce violent conflicts and strengthen the rule of law in rural communities.
“Judges are on a mission to establish competent mobile courts across Warrap State to expedite the discharge of Justice for remote populations,” said Justice Malou Yel Akook during the official meeting.
Governor Agoth welcomed the delegation with strong support and deep concerns about the current state of governance and social order in the region.
He said the breakdown of law and traditional values had severely impacted community life.
“There is a breakdown of law, order and the traditional values which were foundations that made us a great and historic civilization,” Governor Agoth said.
“We cannot stand by and allow these values to disappear. Justice must reach the people, no matter where they live.”
The Governor stressed that the lack of legal institutions at the grassroots level has led communities to resort to violence as a means of resolving disputes.
“It has been identified that one contributing factor to violent settlement of scores by different parties in Warrap State is the absence of rule of law infrastructures such as courts and qualified Judges at the grass-roots,” he explained.
“Hence, communities resort to taking the law into their own hands.”
In response to these challenges, the Governor pledged to provide necessary support to enable the Judges to carry out their work efficiently and without delay.
“I pledge to evaluate means of making resources available for the Judges to begin their work as soon as possible,” Governor Agoth assured the delegation.
The Judges expressed appreciation for the collaborative spirit shown by the state leadership.
They noted that the Governor’s inclusive and consensus-based approach would foster the success of the mobile courts initiative. “We are happy for the consensus approach towards leadership demonstrated by H.E. the Governor,” the Judges stated in a joint statement.
They further affirmed their “commitment to professionally discharge their duties at a pace consistent with the current State of Emergency, which will restore the dignity of the people of Warrap State.”
The launch of mobile courts comes at a critical time for Warrap, where frequent inter-communal violence and unresolved legal cases have posed a significant challenge to peace and stability.
By bringing judicial services closer to the people, the government hopes to restore trust in the justice system and promote long-term reconciliation.