May 13, 2026
The Court of First Instance of Ouanaminthe has been operating under precarious conditions since its establishment, with only the appointment of the chief judge and the complete absence of other magistrates. This situation leaves the court “deprived of judges and investigating magistrates,” directly compromising its operations.
Faced with this shortage, the Professional Association of Magistrates (APM), led by Marthel Jean Claude, expressed “serious concern” regarding the consequences on access to justice. The organization emphasized that this failure “weakens access to justice and penalizes litigants” in the region.
The APM recalled that the effective presence of magistrates remains “an essential condition for the respect of fundamental rights” and for the proper functioning of the public judicial service. It therefore called on the Executive to act quickly in making the necessary appointments within this new jurisdiction.
Beyond the case of Ouanaminthe, the association warned of a broader crisis affecting several courts throughout the country, many of which remain understaffed. It reaffirmed its commitment to defending the independence of the judiciary and promoting a justice system that is “accessible, effective, and respectful of citizens’ rights.”
