Latest news with #WesternBahrElGhazal
Zawya
5 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) helps empower women to actively lead political and peace processes
Too often in South Sudan, women are excluded from political and peacebuilding opportunities, despite their critical importance in advancing peace and security in the conflict-ridden country. To help women increase their visibility and secure funding for peacebuilding initiatives, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan hosted 30 women at a strategic communications workshop in Wau, Western Bahr El Ghazal. 'I used to think that writing grant proposals was solely for experts, but that illusion has vanished,' says participant Linda Hussein. 'I thought that only people with specific qualifications or perfect English would succeed in securing financial support for important initiatives, but now I've learned that it's more about understanding the work you do, the people you serve, their needs, and simply just getting started.' Many women at the workshop had a breakthrough moment when they understood that leadership starts with finding their own voice. 'Today was the first time I stood before a group to facilitate a session,' says Juliet Luka, a journalist who also works with a women's initiative in Wau. 'It has always felt challenging for me. However, now I feel ready.' The International Labour Organization's 2023-2025 report states that only 13% of South Sudanese women have formal employment and, as a result, they suffer from persistent economic insecurity. 'Women in the informal sector already do impactful work, but without strong communication skills, they struggle to grow,' explains Sapia Taulani, an UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer. A key focus at the workshop was also how to progress the commitment in the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement for 35% women's participation in governance processes and institutions. 'If we want women at decision-making tables, we must equip them with the skills to be heard,' adds Sapia. At the end of the workshop, the women gained knowledge, empowerment, and a renewed spirit to lead. 'Learning knows no bounds; share your knowledge,' stressed Linda Hussein to fellow participants, as they vowed to share their new skills for the betterment of all women across South Sudan. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Zawya
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Final step of Warrap community discussions paves way for outlawing early marriages
It was 1975 when traditional chiefs from across what has since 2011 been South Sudan came together in Western Bahr El Ghazal to realize their vision of a uniform customary law – the Quanun Wanh-alel. Half a century later, this law still serves as the basis for judging at least 90% of cases that fall under traditional law, legislation that reflects the customs of the people. Some of these rules, it seems, are no longer passing the tests of time and changing views. 'Our younger generations deserve a new legal system that reflects the modern world,' asserts Adut Akoc, a women's representative in Kuajok. She is referring to people like S., who belongs to the more than 70% of the South Sudanese population aged below 30. For fear of angry reactions, not least from her own family, she prefers to be anonymous. Last year, when S. was only 16, an influential business owner wanted her as his fourth wife. Paying a dowry of 180 cows to S.'s family, the deal was sealed. 'My father and brother love me, but it is our custom for girls to be married off early, because that is what our community has always thought is best, both for the girl and the families involved,' she explains. But S. refused to play along with the age-old script. She refused, and she was made to pay a high price. The rejected would-be husband complained to the police, who in turn put her in prison. After several months and following a visit by a formal justice court, S. was released, with her father instead being ordered to return the cattle that had been paid. While not currently being detained, the court's instruction to hand over the animals, which he no longer possesses, remains. It poses a continued threat to S. and her entire family, at least as long as customary law allows early and forced marriages to be completed. Unless the livestock is returned, the local customs may once again stipulate that any member of the offending family may be imprisoned. S., however, remains defiant. 'My dream is to finish my education and become a teacher. I don't want to be chained to the house.' The domestic nightmare scenario she paints is as real as it is common. Roda Sube, a Gender Affairs Officer serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), has come across numerous similar incidents, including a widowed woman being forced to marry a male relative of her deceased husband, another oft-practiced custom. 'These traditional laws are often a result of social cohesion being valued higher than respecting the relatively modern concept of human rights,' says Pyry Salomo Paulasaari, a Programme Administrator for the International Organization of Migration (IOM), a UN entity that for years has been facilitating discussions with local communities on how to modernize customary rules without threatening the all-important sense of communal togetherness. 'Nobody is better placed to review the laws they must abide by than the people themselves, and they (community members) have been pushing for change,' he adds. Last month, and as fate would have it, Western Bahr El Ghazal, the very place where the archaic traditional laws were first established five decades ago, and in consultation with its former woman governor, became the first state in the country to formally adopt a modernized set of rules, one of which prohibits early and forced marriages. As for S., she has reason to be cautiously optimistic. A recent gathering of chiefs and community leaders from across her state, organized with the support of the UN peacekeeping mission and partners, paved the way for Warrap to follow the example of neighboring Western Bahr El Ghazal. Yes, as things stand, the final approval of Warrap's Ministry of Justice and its Government is the only remaining hurdle to making early and forced marriages a memory of the past. 'It is long overdue. We all need this milestone reform,' says Madhel Lang Juk, Paramount Chief and Chairperson of the state's chapter of the Council of Traditional Authority Leaders. 'Hopefully, others will soon reach the same consensus.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Zawya
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
The South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) General Court Martial in Western Bahr el Ghazal concludes
A General Court Martial, supported by the South Sudan People's Defense Forces, concluded in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal, on 5 July. It was preceded by two investigation missions to Wau and Jur River counties where 34 pending cases were reviewed. Subsequently, the military court adjudicated 20 criminal cases, convicting nine members of the SSPDF, stripping them of their ranks and dismissing them from military service. Notably, the General Court Martial delivered verdicts on two cases related to sexual and gender-based violence, resulting in convictions of seven and 10 years, respectively. Additionally, a conflict related sexual violence case involving multiple assailants and an underage victim was adjudicated, a first of its kind for such military court martials in South Sudan. The highest-ranking member of the SSPDF convicted was a Lieutenant Colonel, for the loss of a weapon. Two civilians in detention were released from military custody since they do not fall within the jurisdiction of a military court, while another civilian on trial for killing two SSPDF soldiers was sentenced to two years imprisonment and ordered to pay 62 heads of cattle or a monetary equivalent as blood compensation to the victims' families. The Court also heard six cases involving conflict related crimes committed during clashes in February 2025 in Kwajiena village, Jur River county. A lack of identification of assailants by victims, despite strong testimonies, did not lead to prosecutorial action in this regard. However, the hearing resulted in a directive to the state government to award financial compensation to all victims in accordance with South Sudan's civil procedure code. The General Court Martial team included two female judge-advocates to ensure that both female and male victims and witnesses were supported during the process. All victims also had access to two civilian victims' counsel, who provided free legal advice and actively participated in the proceedings to protect victim rights and help them navigate the justice process. This military court was followed by a civil-military dialogue in Wau with a focus on joint efforts to combat sexual violence. The aim was to strengthen trust between uniformed personnel and communities, as well as obtain real time feedback on the impact of such military justice interventions on host populations. The Wau General Court Martial was funded by the generous support of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Juba. In particular, it builds on the work of similar military proceedings that took place in Wau in 2022, which resulted in convictions of eight members of the SSPDF for murder. The convicted soldiers were stripped of their ranks and dismissed from the SSPDF. As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen justice mechanisms and rule of law processes, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) also provided funding for victims and witnesses to receive psychosocial support before, during, and after trial. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Zawya
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)-supported General Court Martial launches in Wau
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). 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).
Zawya
06-06-2025
- General
- Zawya
South Sudan: Peace begins with clean and healthy communities
"Peacekeeping today means more than protecting civilians from conflict. It means standing with communities to tackle health risks, improving living conditions, and showing we care." This simple message from the Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan's field office in Wau, Sam Korutaro Muhumure, captured the essence of the commitment of peacekeepers and the impact of their work on those they serve. He was speaking during a new clean-up campaign to protect the environment and foster a sense of community pride and unity alongside local authorities, university leaders and students, as well as peacekeepers serving in the Western Bahr El Ghazal region. The activity was conducted under the theme – Peace Begins with Me – which promotes the importance of each and every person taking action, not matter how small, to contribute to a powerful, collective movement for peace. When gloves and shovels go hand-in-hand with determination and dedication, a meaningful difference and new ambience became a reality for the local university, which was the focus of the clean-up campaign. "For us students and the wider community, this means a great deal, we learn the importance of how a simple action can forge unison," said William Wolwek, President of the University's Student Union. From the female dormitories extending to the main assembly area, the scrape of shovels mixed with the beautiful sound of laughter as students and peacemakers toiled away side by side. Blocked drains, scattered litter are no longer a concern; swept away by hard work, unity and pride. Talk of perfect timing too. With the rainy season well underway, Western Bahr El Ghazal, like other regions across South Sudan, is at great threat due to rising cholera cases. The work to unclog sewage pipes and improve sanitation and hygiene will help reduce this risk. "There is a real difference now,' said William Wolwek. "The places that were once full of waste are now clean. It shows what we can achieve when we work together to protect our communities." By supporting grassroots initiatives like this one, UNMISS is fortifying its broader commitment to peace, health, and dignity. With simple tools and a shared common goal, this clean-up campaign reminded everyone involved that peace is, not only in the political sphere, it's about people working together to build safer and stronger communities. Together for peace. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
