Nine SSPDF Soldiers Dismissed After Wau Military Court Sexual Violence Convictions

A General Court Martial backed by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) concluded in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal, on 5 July 2025, following investigations into dozens of military related crimes.

The proceedings supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) mark a significant step in addressing impunity, particularly in cases of sexual and conflict related violence within the ranks of the armed forces.

The court followed two field investigation missions in Wau and Jur River counties, where 34 outstanding cases were assessed. Out of these, 20 were taken to trial. Nine SSPDF members were found guilty of various offences, stripped of their military ranks and discharged from the army.

Among the most notable cases were two convictions related to sexual and gender based violence, where the perpetrators were sentenced to seven and ten years in prison, respectively. Another landmark case involved conflict related sexual violence committed by multiple suspects against a minor, a case believed to be the first of its kind adjudicated by a military court in South Sudan.

The highest ranking officer convicted was a Lieutenant Colonel, who was found guilty over the loss of a weapon, a rare instance of high level accountability within the military justice system.

The court also addressed civilian cases. Two civilians in military detention were released after the court determined it lacked jurisdiction over them. In contrast, another civilian was sentenced to two years in prison for the killing of two SSPDF soldiers and was ordered to provide blood compensation in the form of 62 head of cattle or the equivalent in cash.

The Court also reviewed six cases related to the February 2025 clashes in Kwajiena village, Jur River County. Despite strong testimonies, none of the victims could identify the perpetrators, and so no prosecutions were carried out. However, the court directed the state government to compensate the victims financially, in line with South Sudan’s civil law procedures.

Efforts were made to ensure gender sensitive proceedings. The court team included two female judge advocates to ensure the needs of both male and female victims and witnesses were met. Victims also received assistance from two civilian legal counsellors who provided free legal services throughout the process to protect their rights.

Following the trial, a civil-military dialogue took place in Wau, focused on how to jointly tackle sexual violence and improve relations between communities and uniformed personnel. Community members were also given a platform to offer feedback on how these judicial proceedings affect their trust in law and order.

The General Court Martial was financially supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Juba, as part of a broader effort to promote accountability within the security sector. It follows similar proceedings held in Wau in 2022, which resulted in the conviction of eight soldiers for murder.

UNMISS also contributed funds to ensure victims and witnesses received psychological support before, during and after the court process.