JUBA – The Mobile Court in Unity State capital, Bentiu, has convicted 19 individuals on charges ranging from rape and murder to other serious criminal offences, Public Prosecutor and Acting Legal Administrator, Madeng Latjor Madeng, says.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Madeng said the mobile court has played a vital role in addressing widespread impunity and strengthening the rule of law in the state.
He revealed that the court has so far handled more than 60 criminal cases, out of which 25 have already been concluded. In addition, over 100 new cases have recently been reported to the police for further investigations.
“There are currently 148 criminal cases under review. People are now becoming more aware of their rights and the importance of justice,” Madeng stated.
“Fifty criminal and civil cases have already been decided by the court, and we are witnessing growing confidence among citizens to report crimes directly to the authorities,” Madeng added.
The Public Prosecutor and Acting Legal Administrator emphasized that the increasing number of cases reported by civilians reflects a positive shift in public perception of the legal system.
He noted that communities that once relied on traditional mechanisms are now engaging with formal judicial processes, signaling an improved understanding of the rule of law in Unity State.
Meanwhile, Natalie Mazur, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Rule of Law Officer in Unity State, reaffirmed the Mission’s continued support to strengthen South Sudan’s formal justice institutions.
“Since February 2024, UNMISS has been supporting the Mobile Court deployed in Bentiu and other parts of Unity State,” Mazur said.
“This initiative has generated a growing demand for a functional justice system and has provided victims with access to justice, which communities believe contributes to lasting peace and stability.”
The Mobile Court began its current session on 29 September 2025 and is expected to conclude on 24 October 2025. The special judicial initiative, supported by UNMISS, brings judges, prosecutors, and defence lawyers to remote areas to try cases that would otherwise remain unresolved for years.
Observers say the ongoing sessions mark a significant step toward restoring public trust in the justice system in Unity State, where decades of conflict and weak institutions have long hindered access to justice.
