Unity State High Court: Bentiu IDP Proceedings Conclude Drug, SGBV Trials

• The Unity State High Court concluded special proceedings in the Bentiu IDP camp, adjudicating 20 criminal cases, including the first drug-related offenses ever in the state.
• These proceedings resulted in 17 convictions and 14 acquittals or dismissals, following the arrest of nearly 60 individuals for drug dealing and use.
• The court's deployment was an initiative of the Unity State Government’s Task Force on Combating Drug Abuse and Gang Violence, which also conducted detention inspections leading to 79 releases and community awareness programs.
• Community members reported significant improvements in security within the Bentiu IDP camp, including reduced gang violence and drug availability, during the court's presence.
• UNMISS supported these efforts, which contribute to strengthening rule of law in the Bentiu IDP camp, South Sudan's largest, where permanent judicial capacity was only restored in May 2026.

Community representatives noted a significant improvement in security during the court’s presence, reporting a marked decrease in gang violence and general insecurity, alongside a substantial reduction in the availability of drugs.

The Unity State High Court recently concluded its special proceedings within the Bentiu camp for Internally Displaced People (IDPs), addressing a range of criminal matters. These included drug-related offenses, cases of gang violence, and instances of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Commencing on September 7, the court adjudicated 20 criminal cases, notably marking the first time drug-related offenses have been tried in Unity State.

Out of the 20 cases heard, 17 individuals were convicted, while 14 others were either acquitted or had their cases dismissed. The trials concerning drug-related offenses stemmed from the apprehension of nearly 60 individuals linked to drug dealing and use. The High Court is scheduled to continue hearing additional cases from its permanent location in Bentiu, with over 70 criminal cases reported for investigation and trial during its recent presence in the camp. These judicial activities received financial backing from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Juba.

The deployment of the High Court to the Bentiu camp was a key initiative of the Unity State Government’s Task Force on Combating Drug Abuse and Gang Violence. This multi-sectoral body was established in response to the escalating drug-related and gang violence across the state. It integrates justice, security, and health stakeholders, with the Director of the South Sudan National Police Service Criminal Investigation Department (CID) serving as its chair and the Ministry of Health as Deputy Chair, alongside representatives from UNMISS.

The Task Force, in collaboration with the Community High Committee, facilitated the court's presence following persistent community appeals for stronger justice and rule of law mechanisms. These requests specifically aimed to address drug use, gang violence, and SGBV, particularly as they affected children and youth. Beyond the court proceedings, the Task Force conducted daily inspections of detention facilities to address concerns regarding arbitrary detentions, which led to the release of 67 individuals. An additional 12 people were released during the court proceedings themselves, bringing the total number of releases to 79.

Furthermore, the Task Force engaged in awareness campaigns for youth within the camp, educating them on the harmful effects of drug use and providing information on SGBV-related offenses. It also carried out inspections of pharmacies in the camp to help prevent the distribution of controlled substances, driven by concerns about the links between drug use, gang violence, and SGBV.

These judicial proceedings represent a crucial advancement for criminal justice in Unity State, particularly within the challenging environment of the Bentiu IDP camp. The successful adjudication of the first drug-related cases underscores a growing commitment to addressing complex criminal issues in the region. The Bentiu camp, South Sudan’s largest internally displaced persons site, hosts more than 100,000 people. It was initially established as a Protection of Civilians (PoC) site after the outbreak of conflict in 2013 and was re-designated as an IDP camp in 2021, remaining a primary focus for UNMISS civilian protection efforts.

Community representatives noted a significant improvement in security during the court’s presence, reporting a marked decrease in gang violence and general insecurity, alongside a substantial reduction in the availability of drugs. UNMISS plays a vital role in supporting access to justice, combating impunity, and promoting accountability for peace and security. Since 2024, UNMISS has supported the deployment of seven mobile courts across Unity State, including in Southern Unity and Mayom, in addition to these high court proceedings in the Bentiu IDP Camp. It is noteworthy that Bentiu only regained permanent judicial and prosecutorial capacity in May 2026, highlighting the significance of these recent interventions in bolstering the rule of law.

This development signals a strengthening of criminal justice mechanisms and enforcement capacity in South Sudan's Unity State, particularly concerning drug-related offenses, SGBV, and gang violence within IDP camps. Lawyers advising clients with interests or operations in the region should note the increased judicial activity and commitment to rule of law, which may influence risk assessments and compliance strategies.

Source: Reporting based on UNMISS statements.