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).
Yeah it is all the FCO's fault. Not the fact we colluded or ignored and now (justfiably) fear the salafism that is taking over our country. Everyone who encouarged or allowed the wearing of hijab, the acceptance of gender-separation weddings, the banning of alcohol, the banning of music and arts and dance- anyone who used the sinister words like qulwah and minqar and niqar – is either a Salafist or an apologist and colluder with Salafism.
Where you have salafism violence follows. First against 'Kuffar' and then against everybody who disagrees with them. You cannot say we reject Al-Shabab but welcome Salafism. It is the donkey and his two jaws.
It all started to go wrong when we put relgious verse on our ridiocolous flag. Why? Yaa inagu haystay islaannimadan aynnu afka la kala waaxeynno?
The ban is fully justified. We should stop whining and accept responsibility for own actions.
You have clearly been brain washed, and have abandoned you religion because of fear and your whimpish desires. But you should really fear Allah subhan wataala and the punishment of the grave and hell, have good time being naked there and listening to music and art, congregations.
Lizzie Lovett should not cover her hair. Our girsl never used till salfism came along. Dont suck up to it.
Fatso, It has nothing to do with Salfism. It is a word of Allah. Learn religion before accusations.
This idiot think one should change his/her believe in order to be except it. that is not what somaliland stands for…somaliland is muslim country who begging no one in order to exist. since somaliland is a muslim the we must respect our great religion. if britain don't wanna come to somaliland cos of our believes then so be it.
Bros and Sis
Why are you insulting me? Surely it is much better to try and correct me if you think I am misguided instead of throwing accusations like I abandoed my religion(Istaqfurulalh).
Bro Fair game Allah (SWT) has no interest in women's dresses. I say you are insulting Alalh (SWT) by claiming he cares what some girl wears. Obsession with covering up females is entirely cultural and it is not our culture. t is Saudi and afghani and Pashtuni. Did you loving Grandmother wear niqar? Did you your great grandmother? Did your great great great gran? Bro they wouldnt have heard of the stuff let alone wear them. And yet they were devout, pious Muslims.
So I argue you and ismahan are the ones brainwashed here. You are abandoning our culture and our beautiful Islam for other people's culture. Shame on you. Where is your pride?
Remarkable post.This time, we got the following Like visiting teams, often crossword puzzle clue.This can make it very difficult for the visiting team's quarterback to call audible play. A team's identity is often partly or mostly based on its home colors.Thank you.