The issue of land grabbing and why the poor always losing their land? is rampant in South Sudan, particularly in the capital, Juba. The scale of the problem was brutally illustrated just last weekend when three people were shot by residents of Gumbo, these residents were protesting the actions of alleged plot allocators a dispute that led to multiple disagreements and violence among the domiciles. This pattern isn’t isolated; it’s occurring in almost all areas of Juba.

Recently, across the country it has seen a series of plot disputes triggered by illegal demarcation exercises. These activities undermine the authority of both the government and community leadership responsible for organized development. Over the past few months, numerous court hearings concerning land disputes in the country have been conducted, with various individuals staking claims of ownership.
Despite the escalating conflicts and public disagreement over plots, this issue remains a trending and grievous absurdity. Unfortunately, many residents and land grabbers often turn a deaf ear to law enforcement agencies responsible for maintaining order and justice.

Land grabbing is predominantly practiced by politicians who hold high governmental positions and others who wield significant power across the country.
A major target of this illegal activity is the land belonging to people who fled for refuge during the 2013-2016 crises and are currently in the diaspora. Even though these absent owners often possess clear legal documents, their properties are forcibly built upon by grabbers who act without fear of legal consequences.
Adding to the confusion and conflict, the area chiefs, commissioners, and personnel within the Ministry of Housing are often complicit. It’s common to find a single plot of land sold to 10 different people a chaotic practice driven by money and perceived impunity, directly causing conflict among citizens.

In South Sudan, the gun has become the ultimate weapon for seizing land. Violence has effectively become policy in these disputes: any slight disagreement concerning land often results in the death of at least three or more people from either side. This barbaric practice must end. Land grabbers should be criminalized and prosecuted in the high court.
Furthermore, the South Sudanese officials and military personnel who are devastating the world’s newest nation are receiving essential support from international individuals and corporations who profit from these dealings. Nearly every instance of confirmed or alleged corruption or financial crime in South Sudan involves links to an international corporation, a multinational bank, or a foreign government.
These external actors are complicit in the grand corruption and violence, enabling the plunder of South Sudan. Leading officials and their international collaborators are driven by commercial and political incentives. Without specific focus and targeted consequences against them, it is unrealistic to expect their corrupt conduct to change.

I appeal to the Government of South Sudan to urgently look into the issue of land grabbing across the country and take serious, decisive measures to enforce the rule of law and protect the rights of its citizens.

God Protect South Sudan.
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