ADDIS ABABA – In a bid to align justice with inclusive development, Shagar City has launched a renewed push to modernize its judiciary through institutional reforms and community engagement.
A high-level justice conference held recently brought together key stakeholders to chart a path toward transparent, efficient, and citizen-focused legal services.
Speaking at the forum, Deputy Mayor and Economic Cluster Coordinator Guyo Galgalo underscored that justice reform is central not only to upholding the rule of law but also to fostering public trust and socio-economic progress.
“Our priority is to deepen public participation in justice delivery, which is essential to ensure both security and sustainable development,” he said.
The conference spotlighted the activities of the city’s Justice System Reform Committee, an initiative tasked with addressing institutional gaps, enhancing ethical standards among professionals, and integrating traditional courts into the modern legal framework.
Guyo emphasized that reinforcing traditional dispute resolution mechanisms—known for promoting truth and reconciliation—will further strengthen public confidence and cohesion. The High Court of Shagar President Kumala Busa announced the formation of a specialized committee to lead justice sector reforms. He noted that the initiative, modeled after broader national efforts, is designed to tackle crime prevention, improve service delivery, and elevate judicial professionalism.
“Our vision is to build a peaceful, livable, and inclusive city through justice that truly serves the people,” Kumala stated, calling for sustained collaboration with local communities.
The forum served as a strategic platform for legal experts, city officials, and civil society representatives to deliberate on ways to synchronize justice reform with governance, economic development, and peace building goals.
BY NAOL GIRMA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 2 MAY 2025
