Jonglei launches mobile court to clear case backlogs, expand justice access

BOR – The Jonglei State government, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched a mobile court aimed at reducing long-standing case backlogs, decongesting prisons, and bringing justice services to remote areas.

The initiative, launched on Monday in Bor, targets over 600 pending cases involving serious crimes, including rape, murder, communal violence, cattle raiding, revenge killings, and abductions.

Speaking at the launch, Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok described the project as a milestone in restoring the rule of law and promoting peace across Jonglei.

“When people hear of Jonglei State, they often think of criminality, child abduction, and cattle raiding. This is because the rule of law has been absent,” Dr. Riek said. “With this court, we will live like other citizens, respecting the law and enjoying peace in our towns, counties, and across the state.”

The mobile court will rotate across all nine counties, providing timely legal redress and reaffirming the government’s commitment to justice, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence. Judges, prosecutors, and court staff will travel across the state over a 30-day period to hear cases.

Maj. Gen. Deng Atem Apar, Director of Jonglei State Prison Service, welcomed the initiative, highlighting its role in easing prison congestion and supporting inmates awaiting trial.

“The mobile court will reduce the burden of keeping remand prisoners with no justice,” he said. “Currently, we have 104 remand prisoners, and the numbers keep growing.”

Echoing this view, State Minister of Local Government Simon Hoth emphasized that the court would reach citizens who have long been denied justice.

“We have faced challenges in trying suspects, and some people have died in prison without trial,” Hoth said. “This initiative will help handle cases from all nine counties.”

Civil society organizations also praised the effort. Bol Deng Bol, Executive Director of INTREPID South Sudan, commended the collaboration between the government, UNDP, UNMISS, and local partners.

“It’s a process that took a lot of time, and I am grateful for this final success,” Bol said. “Although 30 days may not be enough to resolve all accumulated cases, this intervention will significantly reduce the backlog and ease pressure on the justice system.”

Since 2017, UNDP—funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and in partnership with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)—has deployed mobile courts across the country to enhance accountability, access to justice, and the rule of law.