ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR’S Chief Justice, Khamis Ramadhan Abdalla, has urged judicial leaders across Southern and Eastern Africa to turn lessons from regional meetings into practical reforms that improve justice delivery and strengthen public confidence in the courts.
Speaking at the closing of the Southern and Eastern Africa Chief Justices Forum (SEACJF) annual conference over the weekend, Justice Abdalla said the gathering provided an opportunity for judicial leaders to exchange experiences and learn best practices in court administration and the delivery of justice.
He called on courts to strengthen the professional capacity of their personnel and develop implementation plans that address the needs of judicial institutions and the communities they serve.
Justice Abdalla said the strength of the judiciary should be measured not only by its rulings but also by its integrity, independence, equality, efficiency and ability to ensure access to justice for all.
He urged participants to translate knowledge and ideas shared during regional engagements into tangible improvements in court operations and the administration of justice in their respective countries.
He stressed the need to move beyond discussions and commitments towards practical measures that improve court performance, strengthen institutional capacity and make justice more accessible to the public.
Kenya’s Chief Justice Martha Koome, who also serves as SEACJF Vice-Chairperson, said courts were not merely institutions for hearing and determining cases but also organisations that rely on professionals from different fields to function effectively.
She stressed the importance of cooperation among judicial officers and other professionals in supporting court operations and strengthening justice systems.
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Her remarks highlighted the need for courts to draw on diverse professional expertise to address operational challenges and improve the quality and efficiency of judicial services.
The conference brought together chief justices, judicial leaders and court officials from across Southern and Eastern Africa to exchange experiences and discuss ways to strengthen justice delivery.
The regional forum provides a platform for participating judiciaries to share approaches to court administration, professional development and institutional improvement, while identifying practices that can be adapted to their national contexts.
Discussions also highlighted judicial independence, integrity and equal access to justice as essential elements of effective justice systems.
Justice Abdalla’s call for practical implementation emphasised the need for regional cooperation to deliver measurable improvements in court operations and the experiences of people seeking justice.
The meeting concluded with a renewed focus on applying shared knowledge, strengthening judicial institutions and enhancing cooperation among courts across the region.
