Leer County is one of the areas hardest hit by the conflict that has ravaged South Sudan.

When civil war erupted in 2013, persistent violence and insecurity forced the withdrawal of judges from Unity State, leaving communities entirely dependent on customary courts to resolve disputes, including serious crimes beyond their jurisdiction.

For the first time since then, residents will have access to formal justice through the deployment of a mobile court that will hear more than 60 cases of murder, rape and other criminal offenses from Leer, Mayiendit, Panyijjar, and Koch Counties in southern Unity.

Supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, the Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Reconciliation, Stabilization and Resilience, and the Norwegian Embassy, the court was officially opened by Unity State Governor, Riek Bim Top Long. More than 2000 people gathered to witness this landmark moment, demonstrating its importance to communities across the region.

“Deploying a mobile court and establishing permanent justice in Unity State provides mechanisms for all South Sudanese to access justice, regardless of our political affiliations,” said Unity Governor, Riek Bim Top Long in his opening remarks.

“We are working with the judiciary and partners to bring judges permanently back to Unity, enabling those who have suffered harm to receive justice.”

Koch County Paramount Chief, William Duop Kueth, said the absence of a formal justice system created gaps that customary courts cannot address.

“We are mandated to handle customary issues and are not equipped to try murder and rape cases. These matters need a well-trained judge,” he said. “We will fully support this court at the community level because it will help reduce crime and bring perpetrators to justice.”