A mobile court operating in South Sudan’s Unity State has concluded 19 serious criminal cases, resulting in convictions for offenses including rape and murder, state officials said Thursday.
The rulings were delivered Wednesday in Bentiu, the state capital.
Madeng Latjor Madeng, the state’s public prosecutor and acting legal administrator, confirmed the outcomes to The Associated Press.
Madeng said the court, which is designed to bring formal judicial proceedings to remote areas, has processed more than 60 criminal cases since its deployment. Of those, 25 have reached a verdict.
He also reported a surge in public engagement with the justice system, with police receiving more than 100 new cases for investigation.
“People are now becoming more aware and understanding the importance of the rule of law in the state,” Madeng said. He interpreted the high number of reported cases as a sign that civilians are gaining confidence in formal legal institutions.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which provides logistical and technical support to the court, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the country’s justice system.
“Since February 2024, UNMISS has been supporting the Mobile Court deployed in Bentiu and other areas of Unity State,” said Natalie Mazur, the UNMISS Rule of Law Officer in the state.
“This has generated significant demand for a formal justice system and enabled victims to access justice, which communities believe contributes to peace and security.”
The current session of the Mobile Court began on September 29 and is scheduled to conclude on October 24.