Mavis Ekua Enyemah Kwainoe, a Landscape Scan Consultant for the African Judicial Independence Fund (AJIF), has stressed the importance of strengthening Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Africa as a strategic approach to safeguarding the independence of the judiciary.
At the inauguration of the Africa Independence Judicial Fund in Accra last Thursday, she pointed out that such a step has become crucial in light of the worrying trend of executive meddling in judicial matters.
She stated that this interference hinders the judiciary’s ability to function autonomously and deliver unbiased verdicts.
Ms Kwainoe highlighted the crucial role of CSOs in pushing for judicial reforms and overseeing government compliance with international norms of judicial independence.
“CSOs play a major role in putting members of the various arms of government in check. Hence the need for collaboration with CSOs to advocate for judicial reforms and also monitor government’s adherence to some of these international standards and ethics provided for judicial independence, integrity amongst others,” she said.
In relation to ensuring safety for judiciary members, Ms Kwainoe called on governments to guarantee their protection.
She drew attention to the inherent dangers judges face due to their mandate, referencing situations such as the illegal detention of judges in Guinea.
“Judicial security is very important, because looking at the judicial mandate given to our members across the African continent. In the settlement of disputes as one of the core mandates of the judiciary, most at times after every election, the judiciary is confronted with an election dispute, where they influence the outcome of political decisions.”
“Imagine if the decision of the judiciary doesn’t align with the interest of the high powers, certainly, it will result in attacks and the safety of these judges and as we speak, such is the case of many African countries,” she stated.
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