WARRAP – For nearly six years, residents of Tonj North, a conflict-prone county in the heart of South Sudan’s Warrap state, have lived without access to justice. But now, there is renewed hope among communities, thanks to a new circuit court supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

This initiative is part of the ongoing ‘Kong Koc’ Project, funded by the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Reconciliation, Stabilization, and Resilience (RSRTF) and, with a High Court judge finally in place, long-delayed verdicts are finally being delivered.

For Nyang Lual Akoon, such justice delivery is life changing.

Nyang underwent an irreplaceable loss when his brother tragically died in a motorbike accident in September 2024. The absence of justice only added to the pain of his grief.  But now, he can finally say justice has been served, with a verdict for customary reparation in his favour.

As Nyang reflects on his experience, his eyes shine with relief and gratitude.

“For us, it’s a great comfort that this case has been heard. It marks a new dawn in Tonj North—a sign that we are moving forward, and that accountability is within our reach.”

Nyang’s story is just one among many.

Marieu Lual Mabior, who was wrongfully accused of theft, also found justice through the court.

"I feel fortunate that this court was able to restore my rights in time," he said.

The Circuit Court's return strengthens public confidence in the legal system.

By addressing long-pending cases, alleviating prison overcrowding, and ensuring fair trials, this initiative marks a crucial step toward meaningful legal reform in the state.

Lena Ellen Becker, an UNMISS Justice Advisor, noted that the Court had to extend its tenure from three to three to five-and-a-half weeks due to the high number of cases.

"We started with 25 scheduled cases, but ongoing police investigations indicate that more may be added. Our goal is to ensure that no one is left waiting for justice after this deployment," she explains.

For the people of Tonj North, the court is a clear signal that legal recourse is now within their grasp.