Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Arop Malek challenged the legal professionals to ensure that the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan

By Aguok Chok and Betty Juan

he Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Arop Malek emphasized on the importance of the legal profession in South Sudan’s transition to democracy.

He was speaking at a workshop organized by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on the role of the South Sudan Bar Association in the ongoing country’s transition.

“At the heart of this transition, the South Sudan Bar Association plays an indispensable role in upholding the rule of law and guiding our country towards a just and democratic future,” Malek stated.

He noted the Bar Association as one of the pillars of democracy, advocating for justice and human rights.

However, Malek challenged the legal professionals to ensure that the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) is effectively implemented.

“In a nation striving to rebuild trust and foster good governance, your role in promoting ethical conduct and combating corruption is indispensable,” he added. Malek further stressed on the need for legal professionals to be the voice of the voiceless by ensuring access to justice for marginalized individuals.

According to him, the legal profession should educate the public to help citizens understand their rights and responsibilities.

Meanwhile, the Chief of the Political Affairs Division at UNMISS, Guang Cong acknowledged the significance of the workshop in the country’s fragile situation.

“South Sudan is poised on the brink of relapse into civil war, which threatens to erase the hard-won peace gains since the signing of the revitalized peace agreement in 2018,” he warned.

Cong called for a collective intervention to prevent further conflict.

“The overriding imperative now is to direct all efforts to prevent relapse to war, support the full implementation of the peace agreement, and progress the transition towards the country’s first democratic elections,” he said.

He further urged legal professionals to help build a strong legal framework that ensures a stable and democratic society.

The Senior Advisor for Legal and Constitutional Affairs at the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Stephen OoIa, also emphasized the Bar Association’s responsibility in peacebuilding and governance. Reading remarks on behalf of RJMEC’s Interim Chairperson, Ambassador Major Gen. George Agrey Owino, OoIa highlighted the importance of legal professionals in implementing reforms outlined in the peace agreement.

“The revitalized peace agreement of 2018 is largely about performance. Embedded therein, within the six chapters, are a range of much-needed political, legal, judicial, economic, justice, and constitutional reforms,” he stated.

He also encouraged the lawyers to champion these reforms, as they are vital for establishing a strong foundation for the rule of law.

The official expressed optimism about the impact of the discussions, saying, “It is, therefore, our general expectation that this forum, this two-day forum, is the first of many more to come and that it will help strengthen the South Sudan Bar Association as an organization.”

In his last remark, Cong stressed on the need for unity: “The success of South Sudan’s political transition is not the responsibility of any single entity. It requires a unified effort across all sectors.”