South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"

By Jenifer James
A senior elder from Juba County has criticized the Central Equatoria State government for failing to address the rampant land grabbing and insecurity, which have significantly affected the lives of residents.
One of the biggest problems we are facing is land grabbing,” John said. Both private and communal lands are being taken illegally. We have also been struggling with conflicts caused by cattle herders, which further destabilize our communities,” said John Lado during the tour of Gen. Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani, Governor of Central Equatoria State in Juba County on Friday.
Lado disclosed that external forces are destabilizing the peaceful people of Juba County.
“Most of our problems are not caused from within but are brought by outsiders. That is why we need a lasting solution to these challenges,” he said.
Lado also challenged the State leadership to tackle the spate of killings being blamed on shadowy armed individuals commonly known as unknown gunmen.
“The so-called ‘unknown gunmen’ are well-known, yet no action is taken. We don’t know where they come from, but their attacks have made life unbearable for many, this is why people from Lobonok have been forced to flee and are now living as refugees in Uganda,” he revealed.
Meanwhile, the representative of Juba County Women’s Association, Margaret Jora, said that women especially widows are being dispossessed of their land.
“Land grabbing is not just affecting men; women are suffering too. Many families have lost their homes and livelihoods because of this issue. It is a growing problem that needs immediate attention,” she said.
Last year, Juba County authorities confirmed the arrest of seven suspected land grabbers who were armed with guns and hoes in Bilinyang Boma.
Authorities have pledged to strengthen measures to address these crimes and protect the rights of bona fide land occupants.