EAC features South Sudanese lawyer who challenged government over EALA appointments in 25th-anniversary documentary
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) is set to feature South Sudanese lawyer Wani Santino Jada in its official documentary marking the court’s 25th anniversary, bringing attention to his legal challenges over government appointments, democratic representation and accountability.
Jada, the founder and managing partner of Pan African Law Chambers LLP in Juba, first came to prominence at the regional court in 2017 when he challenged the appointment of South Sudan’s representatives to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
His latest case challenges a provision of South Sudan’s election law that allows a president-elect to appoint members of the National Legislative Assembly. The East African Court of Justice’s current cause list schedules delivery of a ruling for 4 December 2026.
The court’s invitation, dated 22 October 2026, states that it is producing a documentary to commemorate its “25-year journey and its role in the EAC regional integration agenda”.
The documentary will be screened during the court’s anniversary celebrations on 12 November 2026 at the East African Community headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
From South Sudan’s accession to a regional legal challenge
South Sudan signed its Treaty of Accession to the East African Community on 15 April 2016 and became a full member of the regional bloc on 5 September that year.
In March 2017, President Salva Kiir appointed nine representatives to EALA. Jada challenged the process, arguing that the appointments violated Article 50 of the EAC Treaty, which provides for the election of representatives to the regional assembly.
On 5 June 2017, the EACJ issued an interim order restraining the assembly from swearing in or recognising the nominees pending further proceedings.
The dispute was subsequently withdrawn after South Sudanese authorities agreed to revoke the nominations and conduct a fresh election in accordance with the Treaty.
The case was among the early legal challenges brought by a South Sudanese lawyer before the regional court following the country’s accession to the Community.
A series of cases involving accountability and public interest
Jada’s legal work has extended beyond regional parliamentary representation. Through his practice and public-interest litigation, he has been associated with cases concerning human rights, environmental damage and property rights.
In 2019, Hope for Humanity Africa, an organisation associated with Jada, pursued litigation relating to the abduction and killing of South Sudanese opposition figures Aggrey Ezbon Idri and Dong Samuel Luak. The case sought accountability and information concerning the men’s fate and the return of their remains. Allegations concerning the involvement of state agents formed part of the broader dispute and should not be treated as established findings without reference to the court’s decisions.
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.
In another matter reported in April 2023, more than 140 landowners challenged the allocation of plots in the Durupi South area of Juba to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. Jada represented the landowners, who alleged that their properties had been allocated without proper legal authority or compensation.
These cases illustrate the range of public-interest disputes associated with his legal practice. Their procedural outcomes differ, and the allegations made by litigants should be distinguished from findings formally reached by a court.
Latest challenge over presidential appointment powers
Jada’s latest high-profile case before the EACJ concerns Section 60(4) of South Sudan’s National Elections Act 2012, as amended in 2023.
The provision allows a president-elect to appoint five per cent of the members of the National Legislative Assembly. Based on the legislature’s 332 seats, that represents approximately 17 lawmakers.
In Reference No. 37 of 2023, Jada challenged the provision, arguing that it undermines democratic representation and the right of citizens to choose their representatives.
His application invokes provisions of the EAC Treaty relating to democracy, the rule of law, accountability and good governance.
The court’s official records identify the related interim application as Application No. 17 of 2023. The current EACJ cause list schedules delivery of the ruling for 4 December 2026 in Arusha.
The court has yet to deliver that ruling. The case therefore remains pending, and the final legal implications will depend on the court’s decision.
A milestone for regional justice
The East African Court of Justice was inaugurated on 30 November 2001. Its mandate includes interpreting and applying the EAC Treaty and determining disputes falling within its jurisdiction.
The court says its anniversary documentary will feature founding and serving judges, leaders of Partner States and the Community, and key stakeholders.
In its invitation to Jada, the court stated: “The Court would be honoured to feature you.”
His proposed participation comes as South Sudan continues to engage with the regional institution and its legal framework. The cases associated with his work highlight the role regional courts can play in examining disputes involving government decisions, public accountability and the rights of citizens.
The anniversary celebrations are scheduled for 12 November 2026 at the EAC headquarters in Arusha.
About Pan African Law Chambers LLP
Pan African Law Chambers LLP (PALC) is a law firm based in Juba, South Sudan. Wani Santino Jada is its founder and managing partner.
