For the first time in more than ten years, residents of Leer, Mayiendit, Panyijjar, and Koch Counties in southern Unity State will have access to formal justice. A mobile court began its operations on April 15, 2025, and will run through May 9, addressing over 60 cases of murder, rape, and other serious crimes.
The court was officially launched by Unity State Governor Riek Bim Top Long, who pledged to work with the judiciary and development partners to permanently bring judges back to Unity State.
“We are working with the judiciary and partners to bring judges permanently back to Unity, enabling those who have suffered harm to receive justice,” Governor Long said.
The opening ceremony attracted more than 2,000 people, highlighting the community’s eagerness for justice and accountability.
The initiative is supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Reconciliation, Stabilization and Resilience, and the Norwegian Embassy.
Stella Abayomi, the acting head of the UNMISS field office in Unity, stated that the court would handle cases outside the jurisdiction of traditional leaders, such as murder, sexual and gender-based violence, conflict-related sexual violence, and forced and early marriage.
“Justice and accountability are key to decreasing crime, reducing violence against women, and improving security,” Abayomi added.
Maria Nyadak, a 20-year-old resident of Leer, welcomed the mobile court’s arrival, especially for women and girls.
“We are excited to welcome the mobile court because it will help stop early and forced marriages in our community. Women and girls have suffered for too long without justice,” she said.
In preparation for the hearings, 20 new investigators have been trained with a focus on handling sexual violence cases, and prosecutors and investigators have been deployed to process criminal complaints across the region.