The Community Development Agency (CDA) Facilitates Release of 10 Inmates in Raja County through Free Legal Aid Services

Raja County, Western Bahr el Ghazal State, South Sudan 23 October 2026

Awut Dut Paul

10/24/20261 min read

The Community Development Agency (CDA), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has facilitated the release of 10 inmates—nine males and one female—from Raja County Prison through legal aid and representation services provided under its Justice and Confidence Centre (JCC).

The release was witnessed by the Director of Prisons, the County Executive Director, the Public Prosecution Attorney and Tukul Africa, a civil society organization operating in the area.

Established in Raja in August 2026, the justice and confidence center (JCC) provides free legal advice, legal representation, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), psychosocial support and referrals to vulnerable community members. The assistance provided to the released inmates included legal representation and support relating to bail and bond procedures, helping them pursue appropriate legal processes.

Speaking during the release ceremony, the Director of Prisons thanked UNDP for supporting CDA to extend legal services to Raja County. He highlighted the longstanding shortage of accessible free legal assistance in the area and the difficulties detainees face in pursuing their cases. He also noted that inmates seeking to appeal decisions in Wau often encounter significant financial and logistical barriers because of the long distance involved.

“Accessing justice becomes extremely difficult for inmates who cannot afford the transport and other costs associated with pursuing appeals in Wau. The legal assistance provided through CDA is an important step towards addressing these barriers and helping detainees understand and pursue their legal options.”