Swift Justice Arrives in Jonglei
A month-long mobile court session wrapped up in Bor on 26 November after reviewing more than 100 case files. Officials confirmed that 82 inmates walked free, easing pressure on the Jonglei State Central Prison and signalling progress in South Sudan’s drive for speedier justice.
How the Court Operated
Four judges—two with High Court authority, two from the County Court—heard minor and serious matters daily inside the prison grounds. Backed by UNDP and the national judiciary, the team prioritised prolonged or arbitrary detentions, ensuring each defendant finally met a bench.
Numbers Behind the Backlog
UNDP Rule of Law Officer Wilfred Gitara said more than 600 criminal files had piled up in Bor and surrounding counties. By handling 70 percent of the mobile court’s caseload, the judges trimmed a major portion of that backlog, though 25 percent of files remain unresolved.
Human Impact on Inmates and Families
Last week, 57 prisoners heard the words “you are free.” Twenty-five more followed on Wednesday, many embracing relatives at the gate. Local resident Anyang Chol, whose brother spent two years awaiting trial, called the release “a breath of hope for the whole family.”
Funding Limits and the Road Ahead
Time and budget constraints ended the sitting before all files were heard. Gitara urged communities to keep turning to formal courts, noting that a permanent judge now serves Jonglei. UNDP plans further mobile missions, aiming to strengthen rule of law and relieve congested facilities nationwide.