WAU (CONVERSEER) – A landmark military court has commenced proceedings in Wau, the capital of Western Bahr El Ghazal State, to try cases of serious misconduct by members of South Sudan’s People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), marking a major step in promoting accountability within the armed forces.
The General Court Martial, inaugurated under the leadership of General Sten Kamilo Mboro, President of the SSPDF court, aims to address allegations ranging from rape to murder. A total of 28 cases are scheduled to be heard, 15 of which involve grave crimes that have long plagued communities and eroded public trust in the military.
“There will be accountability, and this accountability applies to anyone who has committed an offence,” Gen. Mboro said during the opening session. “We begin with accountability. We are holding perpetrators accountable… They will behave according to the Government’s rules.”
The court’s establishment is part of a broader security sector reform effort backed by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which is providing technical assistance to ensure fair and transparent proceedings. The initiative is also intended to rebuild trust between civilians and security personnel in a country still recovering from years of armed conflict and instability.
Civil society organisations and human rights advocates have praised the move, describing it as a rare yet crucial opportunity to secure justice for victims in remote areas where legal resources are scarce.
Louiza Wilson, a prominent victims’ rights advocate, emphasised the importance of safeguarding victims throughout the legal process. “The task is to represent the victim from the start of the proceedings to the final verdict,” she said. “You also provide them with legal protection, as they might be fearful of speaking out or that something might happen to them afterwards.”
To deepen public engagement and transparency, a civilian-military dialogue has been scheduled for 6 July. The session will serve to inform communities about the ongoing judicial process and encourage collaboration between local populations and the military justice system.
As South Sudan continues its fragile journey toward peace and stability, the Wau military court stands as a critical test of the SSPDF’s commitment to reform and adherence to the rule of law.