By Deng Ghai Deng
28th October, 2025 – The Government of Jonglei State, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on Monday launched a mobile court in the state capital, Bor, aimed at enhancing access to justice, addressing case backlogs, and decongesting prisons.
Speaking during the launch, Maj. Gen. Deng Atem Apar, the Director of Prison Service in Jonglei State commended UNDP for its continued support in strengthening the justice system. He said the mobile court will help resolve numerous pending cases and ease the burden on prison facilities.
“We appreciate the efforts and commitment of the state government and UNDP for making this project a success. The mobile court will reduce the burden of keeping remand prisoners with no justice. Currently, we have 104 remand prisoners, and more keep coming,” he said.
Nyamar Lony, Jonglei State Minister for Information, said the 30-day mobile court initiative follows consultations between Chief Justice Dr. Benjamin Baak Deng and Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok, reflecting the government’s commitment to restoring the rule of law and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“The formation of the mobile court observed gender inclusivity and diversity. Its objectives include restoring the rule of law, addressing case backlogs, serving vulnerable populations, complementing customary courts, combating impunity, and promoting peace and stability—key priorities for His Excellency Dr. Riek Gai Kok,” Minister Lony stated.
Nyamar added that the mobile court will rotate across counties, providing timely legal redress and reinforcing the government’s commitment to justice, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence.
Peruth Karungi, UNDP Security Specialist in Jonglei State, stated that access to justice remains a major challenge, especially for women, youth, and rural communities that depend on customary systems with limited capacity and inconsistent alignment with human rights standards.
“The formal justice system is largely urban-centered, leaving most counties without operational courts or prosecutors. Many remain in pre-trial detention due to delays in case processing, while survivors of gender-based violence and other crimes face legal and financial barriers when seeking redress,” Karungi noted.
Mobile courts, according to Karungi, provide a flexible and cost-effective mechanism to extend justice to underserved or conflict-affected areas, reduce case backlogs, and build public confidence in the formal justice system.
Jonglei State—long affected by intercommunal violence, cattle raiding, and abductions—faces significant challenges in the administration of justice due to insecurity, inadequate judicial structures, and limited legal resources.
Since 2017, UNDP, with funding from the Kingdom of the Netherlands and in partnership with UNMISS ROLSIS, has deployed mobile courts across South Sudan to promote accountability, reduce prison congestion, and deliver fair and timely justice to communities in need.