A UNMISS-supported mobile court in Bentiu successfully concluded its proceedings today after addressing 135 criminal and civil cases, including murder and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) offences.
The Bentiu mobile court—an initiative of the Unity State Government, the Judiciary of South Sudan, and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, with support from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)—began hearings on 29 September 2025.
During its session, the court adjudicated 45 criminal cases, convicting 40 individuals, while 18 were acquitted or had their cases dismissed. The proceedings also led to the release of 99 people who had been wrongfully detained or had already served their sentences, following the deployment of an investigation team on 22 September. Six of the cases heard involved members of the security forces.
Importantly, the court ruled on six SGBV cases, resulting in two convictions. It also granted 22 divorces, including 17 initiated by women who had experienced SGBV-related abuses such as forced marriage or domestic violence.
“Through the Bentiu mobile court, the Unity State Government and the Judiciary of South Sudan have taken the first steps towards re-establishing the judiciary in the State after 12 years of absence,” said Anees Ahmed, Director of UNMISS’ Rule of Law Advisory Section. “This progress will enable permanent access to justice, especially for women, children, the poor, and other marginalized communities.”
Since February 2024, UNMISS has supported six mobile court deployments in Unity State, highlighting a strong demand for formal justice mechanisms. “These efforts are helping to break cycles of violence, reduce abuse and exploitation of women and children, and foster conditions for lasting peace,” Ahmed added.
In August 2025, permanent judges were appointed to Unity State for the first time since 2013. At the opening of the Bentiu mobile court on 29 September, the State Governor officially returned the court premises to the Judiciary, enabling the resumption of formal court operations.
While the judges will temporarily depart following the court’s conclusion, they are expected to return soon. UNMISS will continue to assist the government and Judiciary in establishing permanent judicial processes in Bentiu.
The Bentiu mobile court was funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Juba.
From 2024 to 2025, UNMISS supported five other mobile courts across Unity State, including the first sessions held in Koch, Mayom, and Leer counties since 2013. No formal cases were adjudicated in the State in 2023, but mobile court judges have since ruled on 449 cases, underscoring growing public trust and demand for justice.
