President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko has urged African judiciaries to strengthen their independence and accountability, describing them as the “bedrock of democracy, socio-economic growth and the rule of law.”
Speaking at the Southern and East Africa Chief Justices Forum Annual Conference in Gaborone, which drew participants from 16 countries, President Boko said the region must embrace reforms to keep its judiciaries relevant in the 21st century.
“Experience has shown that, where justice and the rule of law are absent, the result is usually stagnation, poverty, general discontent, and a fatally corrupt society,” he cautioned. “Socio-economic development can only take place in the context of a robust, transparent, predictable and enforceable legal framework.”
Under the theme “Judicial Independence and Accountability in Safeguarding the Rule of Law,” the President challenged jurists to explore financial independence, sustainable funding models and fair conditions of service. “The critical question is, how can the judiciary and the judicial system work together with other sectors of the economy to make a positive contribution to development?” he asked.
Reaffirming Botswana’s commitment, President Boko pledged: “We will transform the Judiciary to ensure its independence from other arms of Government. This includes timely appointments, improving conditions of service and enhancing accountability.”
He also reminded judges of the ethical standards expected of them: “The people expect their judges to have wisdom, integrity, patience, independence of mind, fairness, balance, and a passionate desire to ensure that justice is administered according to law.”
Declaring the conference officially open, President Boko said the gathering would enrich regional cooperation and strengthen public trust in justice.
