Africa-Press – Botswana. President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko has called on African judiciaries to reinforce their independence and accountability, describing them as the foundation of democracy, socio-economic progress, and the rule of law.
Speaking at the Southern and East Africa Chief Justices Forum Annual Conference in Gaborone, President Boko addressed jurists and legal leaders from 16 countries, urging them to embrace reforms that will keep justice systems 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 said. “Socio-economic development can only take place in the context of a robust, transparent, predictable, and enforceable legal framework.”
The conference, held under the theme “Judicial Independence and Accountability in Safeguarding the Rule of Law,” focused on strengthening the judiciary’s role in advancing democratic governance. President Boko challenged regional leaders to consider practical steps toward financial autonomy, sustainable funding, and fair working conditions for judges.
“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 position, President Boko pledged to ensure that the country’s judiciary remains independent from political interference. “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 said.
He also emphasized the importance of judicial ethics and public trust, reminding judges of the values their office demands. “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,” he said.
President Boko praised the regional collaboration represented at the conference, stating that it demonstrates Africa’s shared commitment to strengthening the rule of law. He noted that dialogue among chief justices provides an opportunity to share best practices, address challenges, and develop frameworks that will ensure justice systems remain transparent and efficient.
Declaring the event officially open, President Boko concluded that regional cooperation and continuous judicial reform are essential to building trust in legal institutions and ensuring equitable governance.
The Gaborone conference marked a key moment in Africa’s ongoing efforts to reinforce judicial integrity, independence, and accountability as drivers of both democracy and sustainable development.
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