The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) is marking its 25th anniversary with a documentary that features South Sudanese lawyer Wani Santino Jada, who has been involved in several high-profile cases challenging government decisions and promoting democratic representation. Jada, the founder and managing partner of Pan African Law Chambers LLP in Juba, gained prominence in 2017 when he challenged the appointment of South Sudan's representatives to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). His case led to the revocation of the nominations and a fresh election.
Jada's latest case before the EACJ challenges a provision of South Sudan's National Elections Act 2012, which allows a president-elect to appoint members of the National Legislative Assembly. He argues that this provision undermines democratic representation and the right of citizens to choose their representatives. The case, Reference No. 37 of 2023, invokes provisions of the EAC Treaty relating to democracy, the rule of law, accountability, and good governance. A ruling is scheduled for delivery on 4 December 2026.
The East African Court of Justice was inaugurated on 30 November 2001, with a mandate to interpret and apply the EAC Treaty and determine disputes within its jurisdiction. To commemorate its 25th anniversary, the court is producing a documentary that will feature founding and serving judges, leaders of Partner States and the Community, and key stakeholders. Jada's participation in the documentary comes as South Sudan continues to engage with the regional institution and its legal framework.
Jada's legal work extends beyond regional parliamentary representation, with cases concerning human rights, environmental damage, and property rights. In 2019, his organization, Hope for Humanity Africa, pursued litigation related to the abduction and killing of South Sudanese opposition figures Aggrey Ezbon Idri and Dong Samuel Luak. The case sought accountability and information about the men's fate and the return of their remains.
Jada has also been involved in legal efforts concerning alleged environmental harm caused by oil production in South Sudan. The litigation sought remedies for communities affected by pollution, including compensation and measures to address environmental damage. Additionally, he represented landowners who challenged the allocation of plots in the Durupi South area of Juba to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.
The documentary featuring Jada will be screened during the court's anniversary celebrations on 12 November 2026 at the East African Community headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania. The court's invitation to Jada stated that it would be honored to feature him, highlighting the significance of his contributions to the regional court's work. South Sudan signed its Treaty of Accession to the East African Community on 15 April 2016 and became a full member on 5 September that year.
Jada's cases illustrate the role regional courts can play in examining disputes involving government decisions, public accountability, and citizens' rights. His participation in the EACJ's documentary marks a milestone for regional justice and highlights the importance of promoting democratic representation and accountability in the region. The anniversary celebrations will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the court's achievements and its role in promoting regional integration.
Key points
- The East African Court of Justice will feature South Sudanese lawyer Wani Santino Jada in its 25th-anniversary documentary for his legal challenges against government appointments and democratic representation.
- Jada's latest case challenges a provision of South Sudan's National Elections Act 2012, which allows a president-elect to appoint members of the National Legislative Assembly.
- The documentary will be screened during the court's anniversary celebrations on 12 November 2026 at the East African Community headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
