By: Marko Nyoro Abal
The Transitional Legislative Assembly of Western Bahr el Ghazal State, based in Wau, has passed the State Customary Law Bill 2024 during its Fourth Reading, following deliberations by the Standing Specialized Committee on Legal Affairs on Monday.
In an interview with Voice of Hope Radio, Acting Speaker Luis Pasquale Aleu confirmed that the Assembly has approved the bill. The next step is for the certificate to be presented to the state governor’s office for final approval.
“We expect the certificate to be delivered to the governor’s office this week. Once the governor assents to the bill, it will become an official law in the state,” Aleu stated.
If approved, the State Customary Law will provide a legal framework to guide the judiciary in handling cases within the state courts.
“The new law will assist the judiciary in the fair and effective trial of cases,” Aleu added.
Aleu also emphasized the importance of chiefs working closely with the new State Customary Law, explaining that the law was developed in consultation with local communities.
“The State Legislative Assembly crafted this law based on the Constitution of South Sudan and other national laws,” he said.
Furthermore, the consultation process for the bill involved intellectuals, women, youth, and representatives from all ethnic groups across the three counties of Western Bahr el Ghazal State, ensuring that the law reflects the diverse needs of the population.>