The Wau general court martial is expected to hear a total of 28 cases, 15 of which relate to serious crimes
WESTERN BAHR EL GHAZAL, South Sudan, June 20, 2025/APO Group/ --
A military court has officially begun in Wau, the capital of South Sudan's Western Bahr El Ghazal, to hear cases related to allegations of serious misconduct by uniformed personnel from the South Sudan’s Peoples Defense Forces (SSPDF).
An ongoing general court martial in Wau strives to bring much-needed justice to communities “Noone is above the law, irrespective of the uniform they wear,” says Major General Marech Chietak from South Sudan's National Prisons Service (Photo by Busang Maruping/UNMISS)
As judges and legal officers stood to take their oaths, marking the official opening of the proceedings, silence washed over community members. In a country where access to justice is often not available for many people in remote locations, this quiet moment speaks volumes – it’s pregnant with hope that even though justice has been delayed, it won’t be denied.
For Major General Marech Chietak from this young nation’s National Prisons Service, the message is clear. “Noone is above the law, irrespective of the uniform they wear.”
As the general court martial began hearing cases on 18 July, the emphasis remains on fairness, accountability and transparency.
“The overarching principle governing these proceedings is respect for the rule of law,” says Justice Yai Anyuon Akot, a high court judge in Wau.
“Military courts aren’t merely about meting out punishments but rather ensuring that people who have been wronged can receive the reparations they deserve, thereby restoring public faith in the justice system,” he added. “It’s about building trust between uniformed personnel and community members.”
For their part, community members, while optimistic, still have concerns, reveals Stephen Musa, a civil society representative.
“There is a lot of doubt among people about what will happen if they come forward and report cases,” he said. “People are worried about their safety, confidentiality and some fear retaliation if the verdict doesn’t go in their favour,” he stated. “It is our shared responsibility to build trust and ensure survivors are protected and I hope the final outcome of this court will shore up public trust in the system.”
Sam Muhumure, Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan’s (UNMISS) Field Office in Western Bahr El Ghazal, is keenly aware of community sentiment.
"With years of conflict and struggles under their belt, it’s understandable that people are apprehensive. Our hope, as UNMISS, is that supporting such military courts is the first step to creating mutual understanding and respect among civilians and military personnel. It’s one of the many steps that collectively contribute towards building a lasting peace in South Sudan,” he explains.
The Wau general court martial is expected to hear a total of 28 cases, 15 of which relate to serious crimes such as rape and murder. These proceedings will conclude on 6 July, with judgments and sentencing, followed by a civilian-military dialogue on 7 July to reinforce public understanding of the process and promote trust between communities and the armed forces.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
This is ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous. Hirsi Gaab will bear the brunt of this illegal arrest.
I believe anyone who instigates insecurity in any country on the Planet is liable to face the law of that country. If the former government is proven guilty beyond doubt, he must face the justice, otherwise he should be released immediately.
Furthermore, we the people of Somaliland must stop using tribal outcry, whenever someone is arrested without us knowing the crime committed. This will not take us anywhere and should be stopped.
Omar Hussein Dualeh please have a common sense. If this man has committed a crime, your competent government would have charged him in court of law or bring him to court to request for legal detention. The law is clear. No one can be arrested more than 48 hours without due process of law. We know for sure why Guleid is detained. He is detained because he is campaign against the Ignorant government of Somaliland's attempt to dislodge an Isaaq clan from Burao. Somaliland peace can only be maintained if the rule of law and due process of law equally apply to all citizens. As we have heard recently Kulmiye party is in disarray. The other two Somaliland political parties are caught up up with internal infighting that treating their existence. To save Somaliland from doom, it is important both opposition parties sort out their difference and come with United front to send the regime out of power. We cannot afford another around of Kulmiye party domination in Somaliland otherwise the real existence of Somaliland is in grave danger.
I promise you if I were made minister of internal affairs in the next government of Wadani that I will harass, intimidate and abuse Siilaanyo's dignity publicly. I will send the RRU to his house every few days, confiscate his property until he willingly leaves the country for his own safety. This dude deserves nothing less.
one person for public disorder should be arrested for inciting violence that caused for killing innocent indigenous and should charges for murders counts !!!!!! who is he ????????????? he diverse to be in Mandela prison than berbera custody
Since Kulmiye party succeeded the administration of government they immediately to began to breach the law and misuse as a favoritism, from my point of view as you all mentioned no once can be arrested without warrant of court, inline with that breach of rights Guleid has the rights to get a legal remedy according to article 23 of UDHR and 27 of Somali-land Constitution and also am suggesting the Kulmiye Administration to stop all these shameful action.
Ladies & Gentlemen and Boys & Girls,
“Justice DELAYED is justice DENIED” Contrary to that is just a BANANA!
Every citizen has the right to be heard in a court of Law. The rights if this man in Jail is awfully being abused and right in our faces (he could be mine and your uncle, brother and father), by an individual who is welding, in the very open and without shame, “POWER” that neither belongs to him nor bestowed upon him by his superiors. He is in a fast forward mode for his own demise. Attention, if you see this character, please stay away and do not attempt to have any contact with him. We have seen and witnessed the likes of this young man in the past. “Those who bounce faster than the revolution are to be chopped”! Mind you, this is not even an elected official. How dare, can such be allowed and entertained in a place we all know, how we painfully acquired from the Jaws of shark regime?
Those of you chanting for this illegal action and trashing those speaking for the “RIGHTS” of a Somalilander, being irrefutably quashed and slaughtered by a few young bad men, should remain brave enough to withstand it, should this non sense, (GOD forbid) ever drops by your front yard or over your fences and through your windows, in that matter. This is a new Tsunami in the making and better watch for it. It is time to speak against this kind of illegal and Banana Republic style of Governing of our people.
What is urgently suggested and highly required by the Silanyo Administration, is to immediately drop “The Xersi Factor” (no more added value in this guy) and take him completely out of the picture as there is absolutely no reason and need for him to be part of any international or domestic missions (he must remain in the State House enclave), unless, otherwise, as correctly mentioned by a Professor in one of his earlier writings as just being a mere watch-dog for the President which can eventually cost him dearly in reputation and legacy wise, if action is not swiftly taken on his uncontrollable and ever damaging behaviour that must come to a complete halt and YESTERDAY!
If anyone in the Silanyo administration and the President’s immediate family are watching and are willing to pay any further attention to this ever ending episodes and menace, Xersi has unequivocally become a "The mother of liability “to the Silanyo Administration and got to be muzzled if Silanyo ever wants to be re-elected and see the light of a second term as President of Somaliland anytime soon, Period!
How long more can President Silanyo carry this young endeavouring man on his aged back? Remains to be seen. To be continued.
Chief K
Gulaid, the former deputy Governor of Burco, finally got out of the jail today without bail or preconditions after Siilaanyo administration failed to prove that he commited a crime. In a press release shortly after he was released, Gulaid vowed that he will not leave alone those who were behind his arrest. Hopefully he would return to Burco as a hero.