A group of 12 youths and the ex-commissioner of Wau County appeared in court at separate hearings this week for their alleged role in violence last December. 

The violence that engulfed the Western Bahr al-Ghazal capital followed a constitutional and political crisis that pitted members of the state legislature against the governor.

After protesters were shot dead on 9 December the events threatened to deteriorate into a wider ethnic conflict, until army troops were deployed in force in the town.

Tensions in Wau remain high with the beginning of legal proceedings, which now have the attention of the national judiciary. Three judges arrived from Juba last week. 

John Peter Miskin, the former commissioner of Wau County, appeared Wednesday morning before a magistrate at Wau North Court, reported Voice of Hope FM. At the same court on the previous day 12 suspects aged 18 to 35 appeared in connection with events at the Wau-Bussere road, which suspects are said to have blockaded before torching vehicles along the route.

None of the accused appeared with legal representation. Human rights activists, media and UN observers were permitted to attend, but one reporter for Radio Miraya was arrested at the courthouse and reportedly detained by CID for several hours before being released.

Speaking in court, the ex-commissioner John Peter Miskin said that he had no advocate with him because he learned of the hearing only earlier on the same morning. The judge in charge acknowledged that the trial could not go on without defense and adjourned the hearing until March 5. He did not inform Miskin of what charges he faces.

The previous day the police prosecutor presented findings on the Wau-Bussere main road blockade in the presence of 12 accused. Reporters were asked not to report on the details of the proceedings but instead only on the judicial steps taken.

Voice of Hope reported that the first hearing continued for four hours, with a second hearing in the afternoon.

Photo: Former Commissioner John Peter Miskin speaking to Radio Tamazuj after his resignation in October 2012, Wau, Western Bahr al-Ghazal.

Related coverage:

Family appeals for trial of jailed Wau ex-official (14 December)

Armed clashes in Wau town (9 December)

WBG governor accuses commissioner of incitement (12 November)

Western Bahr El Ghazal politician resigns in protest (21 October)