A special military court has officially begun proceedings in Wau, the capital of Western Bahr El Ghazal, to address serious misconduct by members of South Sudan’s People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF). The launch of the court is seen as a major step toward enforcing discipline, ensuring justice, and rebuilding public trust in the country’s security forces.
General Sten Kamilo Mboro, who leads the SSPDF General Court Martial, emphasized the need for accountability at every level.
“There will be accountability, and this accountability applies to anyone who has committed an offence,” he said. “We begin with accountability. We are holding perpetrators accountable… They will behave according to the Government’s rules.”
The court is expected to hear 28 cases, including 15 involving serious crimes such as rape and murder. Civil society groups have welcomed the move as a rare opportunity for justice, especially in areas where legal systems are weak or inaccessible.
Victims’ rights advocate Louiza Wilson stressed the importance of protecting victims throughout the process. “The task is to represent the victim from the start of the proceedings to the final verdict… You also provide them with legal protection, as they might be fearful of speaking out or that something might happen to them afterwards,” she said.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is providing technical support for the court, which forms part of wider reforms aimed at improving the country’s security and justice systems. A civilian-military dialogue is also planned for July 6 to help communities understand the court’s purpose and encourage engagement.
As South Sudan continues its recovery from years of conflict, the military court is being closely watched as a test of the armed forces’ commitment to accountability and the rule of law.