Circuit Court to Address Tonj South’s Long Delayed Criminal Trials

(Tonj South) – A new push to deliver justice in remote areas of South Sudan is underway as the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) concluded a key two-day training workshop in Tonj South, aimed at preparing local justice actors for the rollout of a mobile circuit court.

The initiative is part of the Kong Koc Project, funded through the South Sudan Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Reconciliation, Stabilization, and Resilience (RSRTF). It is designed to address the growing backlog of unresolved cases, particularly those linked to intercommunal violence, which have fueled revenge killings and overcrowded prisons across Greater Tonj.

Seventeen key justice officials, including judges, prosecutors, defense lawyers, investigators, and prison staff, attended the workshop. Led by High Court President Malou Yel, the training focused on clarifying professional roles, reviewing procedures for criminal investigations and trials, and improving coordination between various legal actors. “This workshop has been crucial for ensuring all justice actors are on the same page,” said President Yel. “Our goal is to ensure justice is served efficiently and fairly.”

One of the major challenges identified during the sessions was the volume of pending serious cases. Mabio Malek, a Tonj-based investigator, noted, “We are facing a major backlog. This workshop has given us strategies to better manage and prioritize these cases.”

Discussions also focused on human rights issues, including the need to explore alternatives to the death penalty. “It’s essential to consider life imprisonment,” Yel added. “We must ensure that justice is delivered while respecting international human rights standards.”

Susana Akec, the only female member of the Circuit Court serving with South Sudan’s National Prison Service (NPSSS), highlighted the workshop’s impact. “I have worked with women and children in prison,” she said. “The session on children’s and human rights helped me recognize that we need to refine some of our detention practices. I intend to share this with my colleagues before we begin court operations.”

The intersection between justice and local governance was another key topic. Public prosecutor John Deng encouraged justice actors to maintain clear communication with local authorities while staying committed to legal principles. “We must know our roles and responsibilities and work with local leadership to solve issues effectively,” he said.

The training ended with remarks from Lena Becker, Justice Advisor at UNMISS’s Rule of Law and Security Institutions Section (RoLSIS). She emphasized the importance of collaboration. “While challenges may arise during the circuit court rollout, partnership is essential to overcome them,” she said.

President Yel also called for continued dedication from all stakeholders. “This workshop has laid a strong foundation for our upcoming circuit court,” he concluded. “If we remain focused and united, we can significantly improve the justice system in Tonj South and Warrap State.”

The circuit court is scheduled to begin hearing cases by the end of May and will operate for four weeks. A follow up validation workshop is planned to assess its effectiveness.