A cross section of citizens in Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) and Jonglei State have complained about the commercialization of justice and urged that everyone should be equal before the law as the country transitions to democracy.
Participating in Radio Tamazuj’s Road to Democracy Program, several speakers said they feel denied justice while in legal battles with richer people.
“My understanding is that we are all equal before the law. However, this is not the case on the ground. Why would those tasked with delivering justice, protect senior government officials and richer citizens while even on the wrong side of the law?” one interviewee, John Bior, asked.
Another participant, Nyany Korok, said commercialized justice was becoming rampant nationwide.
“Things are going on in our country because there is no rule of law. Now, robbery, road ambushes, tribalism, and taking up arms against the government appear almost normal,” he stated. “So, there is a need for a permanent constitution and laws, and they should be applied accordingly.”
For her part, Kenya Mach, a civil society activist in Jonglei, said no one should be above the law and challenged the government to ensure delivery of justice without prejudice.
“Legally speaking, no one should be above the law whatsoever. Over the years, women were specifically victims of favoritism in our justice system. For instance, a woman faces forced marriage without protection from the law,” she stated. “However, with our advocacy, there is improvement, and girls are now going to school.”
A Juba-based lawyer, Dau Akoi, said if laws are not respected, citizens feel neglected, and urged the government to deliver.
“Rule of law means everyone is equal in the face of law, service is delivered, and other constitutional requirements like elections are implemented equally,” he said. “In our context, some wealthy and powerful individuals feel above the law, making the rest of the population feel neglected. So, there is a need for conformity with the law. Citizen must have their rights fulfilled and voices heard.”