Unity State launches mobile court to address justice backlog

BENTIU – The government of South Sudan’s Unity State launched a mobile court on Tuesday to address a significant backlog of criminal cases. The initiative comes after years of limited judicial infrastructure due to the 2013-2018 civil war.

Speaking during the launch of the court in the state capital Bentiu, Governor Riek Bim highlighted the urgent need for the mobile court, citing the state’s overwhelmed justice system and the large number of unresolved cases.

“The situation of justice is very low in our state, and we have many prisoners who need to be taken to court,” Riek said.

The mobile court, which will operate in Bentiu for 21 days, will address cases of murder, rape, and other serious crimes. It is supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which has previously established mobile courts in other parts of the state.

“UNMISS has saved the lives of many people who were wrongfully detained. We must now build on this foundation,” the governor state.

The state acting speaker of the parliament, Jal Puok, welcomed the initiative and urged residents to bring their grievances to the mobile court, expressing hope that it would bring justice to vulnerable groups, particularly victims of rape.

“This initiative is vital. I urge the people of Unity State to report their cases to the judges who begin their work tomorrow morning,” Jal said.

State minister of gender, child, and social welfare, Rose Nyaboth, welcomed the initiative and called on the state governor to work to sustain efforts toward justice and law enforcement.

“This is the first time since 2013 that such a court has been established. Many incidents of rape have been reported, and now the judiciary will investigate and hold perpetrators accountable,” the minister said.

Law enforcement officials, including the state police commissioner and the director-general of prisons, also expressed support for the mobile court.

They noted the challenges posed by the backlog of cases and the need for improved infrastructure, such as local prosecutor offices.