In Renk, a town in the far north of South Sudan, a new mobile court, operating as a collaborative effort with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), national and state-level judiciaries, and international supporters, has ushered in a much-needed sense of justice to an area that had seen a long absence of legal recourse. Over the past few weeks, this court has adjudicated 54 cases.

A mother whose child was a victim of rape shared her perspective on the necessity of justice. She firmly holds that individuals who commit such heinous acts must be held accountable:

“Should the accused not acknowledge the repercussions of his actions, he ought to face imprisonment. It is my conviction because I am uncertain of the long-term repercussions for my child. Even if he seeks forgiveness for his crime, harm could still befall my child, and I cannot bear such a burden or responsibility. Therefore, I urge that he experience the consequences of his actions through the sentence he has been given.”

South Sudan has been ravaged by decades of conflict that have ravaged its infrastructure and uprooted its populace, compelling many to depend on customary courts. Roufeita Zubeir Mohamed Nur, a prosecutor in Renk, pointed to the hindrances the local court faces, chiefly the dearth of judges:

“Ever since 2021, the Renk County Court has grappled with numerous impediments, primarily due to the absence of a High Court Judge. The backlog of cases swelled to over 60, encompassing crimes of murder, rape, and drug misuse. As a result, our prisons became severely overcrowded. The arrival of the UNMISS-assisted mobile court is a welcome respite as it alleviates the delays and backlogs that plagued our system, allowing for the swift dispensation of justice.”

The mobile court serves not only to dispense justice and reinforce trust in the rule of law but also inspires new cases to be filed by individuals who now trust in the fair administration of justice following the hearings.

In the long term, UNMISS is also providing vital technical support, conducting training sessions, and investing in infrastructure to improve all aspects of the justice system in South Sudan, which includes enhancing community policing, increasing the capacity of judicial, corrections, and prison personnel, along with the construction of police stations and court houses.

Source: http://www.africanews.com/2025/02/26/south-sudan-new-mobile-courts-bring-justice-to-renk/