Survey highlights threat to justice system

Political interference and corruption are undermining the justice system in several African nations, notes the manager of the Africa Judicial Independence Fund (AJIF), Saeed Salahudeen. He said the fund’s report had found evidence of corruption and interference through an in-depth assessment which focused on 11 priority countries – Angola, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, Ethiopia and SA – which displayed high levels of political interference with the justice system. 'The AJIF is an initiative of the Afrobarometer borne out of the pressing need to address the numerous and complex challenges facing judicial systems in Africa. We have been conducting surveys across the continent and have come to the realisation that our survey results continue to point to citizens’ lack of confidence in the judiciary, and that was the background to the initiation of the independent fund,' he said, according to a report in The Star. The AJIF was launched as an initiative marking a significant milestone in the collective effort to uphold and strengthen judicial independence in Africa.

In its report, the AJIF found challenges to judicial independence in Africa are significant, and include political interference, inadequate legal frameworks, corruption, resource constraints, and societal attitudes, reports Legalbrief. ‘However, the potential of various stakeholders, including governments, civil societies, and international bodies, is immense. They are not sitting idle but are implementing diverse interventions such as legislative reforms, training programmes, and advocacy campaigns to promote judicial independence. This collective action, combined with strengthened accountability mechanisms, capacity building and international co-operation, presents hope for advancing judicial independence despite the challenges.’ In its recommendations it suggests a focus on institutional reforms, the empowerment of civil society, and the promotion of regional co-operation ‘to fortify mechanisms supporting judicial independence’. It says: ‘These actions are vital to improve appointment processes, safeguard judicial tenure protections, and enhance budgetary autonomy.’ It also urges stronger collaboration with civil society organisations to monitor adherence to international standards.