Mbandeka sets course for major justice reform

Attorney-general Festus Mbandeka has moved to overhaul key legal frameworks governing Namibia’s justice system.

The AG has proposed stronger prosecutorial independence while warning that courts and legal offices are under mounting pressure from rising demand and limited capacity.

Speaking at the launch of the Office of the Attorney-General’s strategic plan for 2025–2030 in Swakopmund recently, Mbandeka said the country’s current legal architecture, anchored in the Government Attorney’s Proclamation of 1982, is no longer fit for purpose.

He said the decades-old law does not reflect the complexity of the modern justice system and must be replaced with a new Office of the Attorney-General Bill that will modernise operations and strengthen the institution’s constitutional mandate.

“We are committed to finalising the enactment of the Office of the Attorney-General Bill, which will establish a modern, independent legal framework for our office,” he said.

Closely tied to this reform push is the planned establishment of an autonomous National Prosecution Authority, which Mbandeka said will enhance prosecutorial independence and reduce bureaucratic interference in criminal justice decisions.

The proposed reforms signal one of the most significant overhauls of Namibia’s justice system in decades.

Under strain

However, Mbandeka also acknowledged that the system is already under considerable pressure.

He pointed to a rise in legal disputes involving State institutions, increasing crime levels and an overstretched workforce as key challenges affecting service delivery.

“Our office faces unprecedented pressures and demands,” he said, adding that infrastructure in several offices is ageing and no longer adequate for modern legal work.

The strain, he noted, is compounded by high staff turnover and limited resources, particularly in specialised legal areas.

To address these challenges, the strategic plan introduces a wide-ranging modernisation drive, including a shift toward digital case management systems, improved ICT infrastructure, and expanded access to legal research tools.

The office aims to scale ICT adoption from 20% to 70% by 2030, alongside securing remote access for all staff.

Mbandeka also highlighted efforts to rebuild public confidence in the institution, which he said has often been perceived as distant and inaccessible.

He said strengthening trust in the justice system is as important as internal reform, arguing that the rule of law must be built in partnership with the public.

“The work begins now,” he said. “The Namibian people rely on us to ensure lasting respect for the rule of law.”

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