(Wau) – A military court has officially opened in Wau, the capital of Western Bahr El Ghazal, to hear multiple cases of serious misconduct allegedly committed by members of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).
The launch of the proceedings is viewed as a significant step toward improving discipline within the army and restoring public trust in the country’s security institutions.
The SSPDF General Court Martial, led by General Sten Kamilo Mboro, is hearing a total of 28 cases, including 15 that involve grave crimes such as rape and murder. These offences are believed to have taken place in areas where access to justice has long been limited, leaving many victims without redress.
General Mboro stressed that the court’s objective is to ensure that justice is served fairly, regardless of the rank or position of the accused. He underscored the principle that everyone is accountable under the law, including members of the armed forces.
“The task is to represent the victim from the start of the proceedings to the final verdict,” said Mboro. “You also provide them with legal protection, as they might be fearful of speaking out or that something might happen to them afterwards.”
He added, “There will be accountability, and this accountability applies to anyone who has committed an offence. We begin with accountability. We are holding perpetrators accountable… They will behave according to the Government’s rules.”
The move has been widely welcomed by civil society organisations, who see it as a rare opportunity for justice in a system often criticised for impunity. Many activists have long called for transparent legal processes to address human rights abuses committed by security personnel, particularly in rural or conflict affected areas.
Louiza Wilson, a prominent victims’ rights advocate, emphasised the importance of support for survivors throughout the court process. “It is vital to protect and empower victims who may be vulnerable or afraid,” she said.
The initiative is receiving technical assistance from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which has been working with national stakeholders on security sector reform. The court proceedings are part of broader efforts to professionalise the SSPDF and ensure that soldiers act within the law and respect human rights.
As part of the initiative, a civilian military dialogue has also been scheduled for 6 July 2025. The dialogue is intended to help explain the legal process to local communities, promote transparency, and allow civilians to engage with both the military and judicial officials directly.
While legal action against members of the armed forces is still relatively rare in South Sudan, the current hearings could serve as a model for similar steps in other parts of the country, including in Upper Nile, Unity State, and Eastern Equatoria, where communities have voiced similar grievances.
