A mobile court will commence proceedings in Yei River County, Central Equatoria, from 2–16 December 2025, as part of South Sudan’s ongoing efforts to extend judicial services to areas without permanent courts, according to a letter issued by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The initiative is being implemented by South Sudan’s Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, with technical and logistical support from UNMISS and funding from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Juba.
Ahead of the court’s deployment, UNMISS supported an investigation mission by the Ministry of Justice and other justice actors from 4–13 November 2025.
The team verified 46 cases for trial, including 24 cases of sexual and gender-based violence, 21 of them rape, most involving underage survivors.
In addition, six murder cases and a variety of other serious offences were prepared for prosecution.
A public consultation in Yei, attended by 42 participants from government, police, the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), civil society, media, and court administration, identified several challenges to justice delivery in the area.
These included the absence of a sitting judge, insecurity in greater Yei, stigma against survivors, limited police investigative capacity, and weak court and prison infrastructure.
The mobile court will hear all verified cases and remain open to new matters originating from Yei, Lainya, and Morobo Counties.
Victims and witnesses will receive support from a local civil society organization, working alongside dedicated victims’ and defense counsel to ensure protection, legal representation, and access to justice.
