213 Judges on strike in South Sudan

By

Dukhan Jundit

Judges and Justices from the South Sudanese National Committee on Monday began a nationwide strike over pay and adminstrative issues.

President of Judges and Committee chairman Khalid Mohammed confirmed that 213 Judges have stopped working in the regions of Upper Nile, Bahr el Ghazal and Equatoria, stating they have not been paid salaries for three months and allowances for an even longer period.

In addition, the Judges and Justices claim to be working in unfavourable conditions with poor infrastructure and lack of facilities, as well as a lack of transportation.

The demands were detailed in a statement issued last week requesting the government resolve the issues before the planned strike on Monday.

Mohammed said the Judges will continue striking until their arrears and salaries are paid and working conditions are improved.

Last week Minister of Information Michael Makuai Lueth said that no monies had been paid to staff but this week the same Minister said the Judges will be paid next week.

Dukhan Jundit

Dukhan is a freelance journalist in South Sudan having contributed to numerous publications and worked as News Editor for InterNews Radio in the Upper Nile State previously.