By Alan Clement
The Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) has concluded the operations of its mobile court on July 31, 2025, after two separate deployments this year.
Credited with successfully resolving over 60 cases, the court’s presence was hailed by officials as a significant step in strengthening the rule of law and promoting stability in the region.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Greater Pibor’s Chief Administrator Gola Boyoi Gola commended the mobile court team which included judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and clerks for their role in strengthening justice delivery in the region.
The court was deployed at the request of the GPAA leadership following the completion of a new courthouse in 2024, constructed with support from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the HTC consortium.
Gola specifically praised UNMISS for its partnership in organizing the closing ceremony and its vital role in both constructing the courthouse and facilitating the mobile court’s operations. “UNMISS has played a vital role in constructing the court house and facilitating the mobile court operations, which have been instrumental in promoting peace, security, and development in GPAA,” he stated while also extending gratitude to UNMISS Civil Affairs for organizing the event.
The ceremony was attended by national and international officials, including representatives from the National Police Service, National Prison Service, Judiciary, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and the South Sudan Bar Association. Ms. Geetha Pious, the head of the UNMISS field office for both Jonglei and GPAA, was also in attendance.
Despite the mobile court’s success, the Chief Administrator voiced concerns about the inadequate state of prison facilities in the area. He issued a call for urgent support to construct a modern prison outside the town center, emphasizing that such infrastructure is essential for effective justice delivery and the protection of human rights.
Gola also revealed that discussions are underway with the High Court regarding the deployment of a permanent judge to GPAA, which would ensure continuous judicial services. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to land demarcation and allocation for key institutions such as police stations, prisons, and courts, underscoring the need for proper surveys.
The Chief Administrator concluded by highlighting the upcoming Customary Law Bill, which is set to be presented to the Council of Ministers and subsequently sent to the Legislative Council for approval.