Latest news with #WesternBahrElGhazal
Zawya
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
The South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) General Court Martial in Western Bahr el Ghazal concludes
A General Court Martial, supported by the South Sudan People's Defense Forces, concluded in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal, on 5 July. It was preceded by two investigation missions to Wau and Jur River counties where 34 pending cases were reviewed. Subsequently, the military court adjudicated 20 criminal cases, convicting nine members of the SSPDF, stripping them of their ranks and dismissing them from military service. Notably, the General Court Martial delivered verdicts on two cases related to sexual and gender-based violence, resulting in convictions of seven and 10 years, respectively. Additionally, a conflict related sexual violence case involving multiple assailants and an underage victim was adjudicated, a first of its kind for such military court martials in South Sudan. The highest-ranking member of the SSPDF convicted was a Lieutenant Colonel, for the loss of a weapon. Two civilians in detention were released from military custody since they do not fall within the jurisdiction of a military court, while another civilian on trial for killing two SSPDF soldiers was sentenced to two years imprisonment and ordered to pay 62 heads of cattle or a monetary equivalent as blood compensation to the victims' families. The Court also heard six cases involving conflict related crimes committed during clashes in February 2025 in Kwajiena village, Jur River county. A lack of identification of assailants by victims, despite strong testimonies, did not lead to prosecutorial action in this regard. However, the hearing resulted in a directive to the state government to award financial compensation to all victims in accordance with South Sudan's civil procedure code. The General Court Martial team included two female judge-advocates to ensure that both female and male victims and witnesses were supported during the process. All victims also had access to two civilian victims' counsel, who provided free legal advice and actively participated in the proceedings to protect victim rights and help them navigate the justice process. This military court was followed by a civil-military dialogue in Wau with a focus on joint efforts to combat sexual violence. The aim was to strengthen trust between uniformed personnel and communities, as well as obtain real time feedback on the impact of such military justice interventions on host populations. The Wau General Court Martial was funded by the generous support of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Juba. In particular, it builds on the work of similar military proceedings that took place in Wau in 2022, which resulted in convictions of eight members of the SSPDF for murder. The convicted soldiers were stripped of their ranks and dismissed from the SSPDF. As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen justice mechanisms and rule of law processes, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) also provided funding for victims and witnesses to receive psychosocial support before, during, and after trial. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Zawya
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)-supported General Court Martial launches in Wau
A military court has officially begun in Wau, the capital of South Sudan's Western Bahr El Ghazal, to hear cases related to allegations of serious misconduct by uniformed personnel from the South Sudan's Peoples Defense Forces (SSPDF). As judges and legal officers stood to take their oaths, marking the official opening of the proceedings, silence washed over community members. In a country where access to justice is often not available for many people in remote locations, this quiet moment speaks volumes – it's pregnant with hope that even though justice has been delayed, it won't be denied. For Major General Marech Chietak from this young nation's National Prisons Service, the message is clear. 'Noone is above the law, irrespective of the uniform they wear.' As the general court martial began hearing cases on 18 July, the emphasis remains on fairness, accountability and transparency. 'The overarching principle governing these proceedings is respect for the rule of law,' says Justice Yai Anyuon Akot, a high court judge in Wau. 'Military courts aren't merely about meting out punishments but rather ensuring that people who have been wronged can receive the reparations they deserve, thereby restoring public faith in the justice system,' he added. 'It's about building trust between uniformed personnel and community members.' For their part, community members, while optimistic, still have concerns, reveals Stephen Musa, a civil society representative. 'There is a lot of doubt among people about what will happen if they come forward and report cases,' he said. 'People are worried about their safety, confidentiality and some fear retaliation if the verdict doesn't go in their favour,' he stated. 'It is our shared responsibility to build trust and ensure survivors are protected and I hope the final outcome of this court will shore up public trust in the system.' Sam Muhumure, Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan's (UNMISS) Field Office in Western Bahr El Ghazal, is keenly aware of community sentiment. "With years of conflict and struggles under their belt, it's understandable that people are apprehensive. Our hope, as UNMISS, is that supporting such military courts is the first step to creating mutual understanding and respect among civilians and military personnel. It's one of the many steps that collectively contribute towards building a lasting peace in South Sudan,' he explains. The Wau general court martial is expected to hear a total of 28 cases, 15 of which relate to serious crimes such as rape and murder. These proceedings will conclude on 6 July, with judgments and sentencing, followed by a civilian-military dialogue on 7 July to reinforce public understanding of the process and promote trust between communities and the armed forces. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Zawya
06-06-2025
- General
- Zawya
South Sudan: Peace begins with clean and healthy communities
"Peacekeeping today means more than protecting civilians from conflict. It means standing with communities to tackle health risks, improving living conditions, and showing we care." This simple message from the Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan's field office in Wau, Sam Korutaro Muhumure, captured the essence of the commitment of peacekeepers and the impact of their work on those they serve. He was speaking during a new clean-up campaign to protect the environment and foster a sense of community pride and unity alongside local authorities, university leaders and students, as well as peacekeepers serving in the Western Bahr El Ghazal region. The activity was conducted under the theme – Peace Begins with Me – which promotes the importance of each and every person taking action, not matter how small, to contribute to a powerful, collective movement for peace. When gloves and shovels go hand-in-hand with determination and dedication, a meaningful difference and new ambience became a reality for the local university, which was the focus of the clean-up campaign. "For us students and the wider community, this means a great deal, we learn the importance of how a simple action can forge unison," said William Wolwek, President of the University's Student Union. From the female dormitories extending to the main assembly area, the scrape of shovels mixed with the beautiful sound of laughter as students and peacemakers toiled away side by side. Blocked drains, scattered litter are no longer a concern; swept away by hard work, unity and pride. Talk of perfect timing too. With the rainy season well underway, Western Bahr El Ghazal, like other regions across South Sudan, is at great threat due to rising cholera cases. The work to unclog sewage pipes and improve sanitation and hygiene will help reduce this risk. "There is a real difference now,' said William Wolwek. "The places that were once full of waste are now clean. It shows what we can achieve when we work together to protect our communities." By supporting grassroots initiatives like this one, UNMISS is fortifying its broader commitment to peace, health, and dignity. With simple tools and a shared common goal, this clean-up campaign reminded everyone involved that peace is, not only in the political sphere, it's about people working together to build safer and stronger communities. Together for peace. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
