A government official said the majority of South Sudanese are more familiar with customary laws than with the Transitional Constitution and customary courts solve most civil and criminal cases in the country.
National Deputy Minister of Justice Paulino Wanawila Onango told Good News Radio after the official opening of the National Customary Law Centre in Rumbek on Thursday that most citizens seek legal redress for crimes in traditional courts.He said South Sudan does not have sufficient judges and lawyers to reach out especially in rural areas.
Mr Wanawila acknowledged the challenge of sustaining customary courts as a reliable justice system, arguing that customary laws have not been properly scrutinized to be found fair for dispute arbitration.
Lakes State High Court President Gerri Raymondo Legge appealed to citizens to unite by keeping the law and putting aside bad customs.
Judge Gerri encouraged citizens to embrace formal education and cultivate human values through religious practices to reduce social tensions.
The Rumbek-based National Customary Law Centre was established by the Ministry of Justice with support from the United Nations Development Program and funding through the Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
The Customary Law Centre is reportedly the first institution of its kind in Africa and is expected to facilitate the customary justice system coordination between Government and other stakeholders.