Map of Western Equatoria State. (Courtesy).

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs in Western Equatoria State is urgently appealing to the Judiciary to deploy judges and attorneys across the state.

John Ada Wilson, a senior official in the ministry, highlighted that all counties, except Yambio, currently lack established court units.

According to Ada, communities in Western Equatoria are heavily dependent on mobile courts, which significantly delays their access to justice.

This lack of local judicial presence has resulted in prolonged detentions, with many individuals waiting for trials that are indefinitely postponed due to the absence of judges and attorneys.

“We request the judiciary to deploy judges in all counties of Western Equatoria State,” Ada stated in an interview with Eye Radio.

“We also urge the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to assign attorneys to the counties, enabling them to investigate crimes and ensure justice is accessible to our people.”

Additionally, Ada emphasized the need for improved welfare for judges and attorneys to encourage them to work at the county level.

“One of the main reasons some judges and attorneys are reluctant to move to the counties is that their welfare is not adequately supported,” he explained.

The Ministry is calling on the national government to prioritize the needs of prosecution officials to facilitate their work and enhance the delivery of justice in the state.