South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The South Sudan Land Alliance, a network of civil society organizations, called on parliament on Wednesday to priorities the passage of the long-awaited land policy when it reconvenes in the first week of June.
In December 2024, TNLA Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba declared a four-month recess for legislators, starting from 18 December 2024 to the first week of April 2025.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Juba on Wednesday, Dorothy Drabuga Ambros, chairperson of the South Sudan Land Alliance, urged lawmakers to prioritise the passage of the land policy.
“With parliament set to reopen, we urge lawmakers to act boldly and make the national land policy a top legislative priority,” Drabuga said.
Drabuga believes that the passage of the land policy will help to reduce rampant land conflicts and safeguard the rights of landowners.
“For nearly 20 years, South Sudanese communities have waited for a land policy that safeguards their rights, reduces conflicts, and unlocks development opportunities,” she said.
She noted that the delay in the policy continues to hinder the implementation of key provisions of the 2018 peace deal.
“The National Legislative Assembly represents more than just legislation. It is a pathway to peace, equity, and environmental resilience.”
She believes that passing the land policy would represent a significant step toward achieving stability in the face of ongoing land-related conflicts.
“Failure to act risks deepening land disputes, discouraging sustainable investment, and worsening climate vulnerability.”
The policy was approved by the Council of Ministers on 27 October 2023 and tabled before parliament on 21 November 2024.
South Sudan drafted its National Land Policy alongside the Land Act in 2009. Currently, the country relies on the pre-independence act, with each state having its own land policies, laws, and regulations.
Following independence in 2011, land policies were reviewed by parliament. However, in 2014, the Ministry of Lands withdrew the draft National Land Policy, citing its shortcomings and requesting further revisions.
Land disputes have been a major concern since 2005 and South Sudan’s independence in 2011.
These disputes are particularly prevalent in Juba and other major towns, often leading to violent conflicts, deaths, and displacements.
