The recently refurbished Malakal Courthouse was reopened in a ceremony attended by the Governor, the UNMISS Head of Field Office, Cabinet Ministers, humanitarian leaders as well as members of the local community.
Three months after the United Nations Mission in South Sudan handed over a refurbished courthouse to the authorities in Malakal, the newly sworn-in judge, the Honourable Ayiei Nyang Ayie,i is ready to begin work.
The courthouse was reopened in a ceremony attended by the Governor, the UNMISS Head of Field Office, Cabinet Ministers, humanitarian leaders as well as members of the local community.
Speaking at the event, UNMISS Head of Field Office, Hazel Dewet, complimented all human rights victims and other people for remaining true to their demand for justice.
“From today on, victims will be in a position to see and observe the trials and get the satisfaction that justice is being done, and to instil confidence in government institutions, including the justice system,” Hazel Dewet said.
The Governor, James Torr Mounybuny, said that, even in the absence of the court of law in Malakal, people remained citizens of a nation that has a legal framework and legislature in place.
“I would like to register special thanks to UNMISS for the support they have rendered to make sure that the court building was repaired,” he said. The Governor has earmarked the reopening of the Malakal prison as his next priority.
The reopening of the court marked the end of a nearly four-year absence of legal jurisdiction in Malakal and the surrounding area. The court can now clear the backlog of pending cases and move ahead with the processing of human rights violations as well as crimes committed within the jurisdiction of Malakal.
“I appeal to you, as the judiciary, to help shape the future, one that is not mired in conflict but opens opportunities for people. In doing so, you will re-establish the judiciary in Malakal and earn the respect of the people,” said Hazel Dewet.
The courthouse was one of three Quick Impact Projects developed specifically to bolster the law enforcement arms of the government. The other projects, handed over in July, included a police station and police conference hall.