By Manas James Okony
Local authorities in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) have made a fervent appeal for the establishment of a permanent justice system following the conclusion of a mobile court that has operated in the region since March 10.
The mobile court wrapped up its mandate on April 9, having addressed only 37 cases, which starkly contrasts with the staggering backlog of 429 unresolved cases.
Peter Ajany Kaimoi, the GPAA local government minister, expressed profound concern over the absence of a permanent court.
“The lack of judiciary is challenging. There is a backlog of 429 cases in the entire GPAA due to the shortage of judges,” Ajany stated.
He highlighted that while the arrival of the mobile court allowed for 51 cases to be tackled, the demand for an extension to continue addressing additional cases was unfortunately not approved.
Sebit Bullen Lako, who led the Pibor mobile court, described their mission as a success but reiterated the critical need for a permanent High Court in the GPAA.
“During our time there, we handled 37 cases: 22 verdicts were passed by me and the rest by my first-grade judge colleague,” he noted.
Sebit Bullen also mentioned that while a judge has been assigned to Pibor, named Paris Odiel, he has yet to officially assume his duties.
Civil society activist Bol Deng Bol, affiliated with the INTREPIDD South Sudan (ISS), commented on the detrimental impact of the judiciary’s absence.
“The lack of judiciary is perpetuating endemic violence and a culture of impunity in the troubled GPAA,” he said.
Bol provided a specific example of the urgent need for judicial presence by referencing a case of child abduction that resulted in a conviction, yet required the convict to serve their term in Juba due to judicial limitations in the GPAA.
The mobile court was established to alleviate long-standing judicial delays in Pibor Town, comprising two judges, two prosecutors, four advocates, and three supporting staff. Before its arrival, the GPAA lacked a functional judicial system, a gap that has significantly contributed to ongoing inter-communal violence and criminal activities.
The Greater Pibor Administrative Area was created in 2014 through a presidential decree that separated Pochalla and Pibor counties from the rest of Jonglei State.
However, the region suffers from a lack of a constitution and an effective judicial framework, underscoring the urgent necessity for reliable legal mechanisms that promote the rule of law and foster accountability within the community.
As local officials advocate for reforms, the need for a sustainable and functional judiciary remains a top priority for the residents of the GPAA.