JUBA — South Sudan’s Central Equatoria state cabinet on Thursday expressed concern about the increasing incidents of land grabbing in Lokwili, Durupi, and certain areas of the Joppa residential area in Juba.
Addressing the media after a state cabinet meeting on Thursday, Jacob Aligo, acting minister of information, said the state council of ministers directed the land committee to expedite its work in curbing rampant informal settlements in most parts of Juba.
“The Council also discussed rising cases of land grabbing in Lokwilili, Durupi, and parts of the Joppa residential areas,” Aligo said.
“The cabinet urged the National Land Committee to expedite its work in curbing rampant informal settlements and providing lasting solutions,” he added.
Aligo alleged that certain government officials were implicated in these illicit activities.
He said the cabinet also received reports of the abduction of 19 youth in Mundu Boma of Kupera Payam, Lainya County, by holdout groups.
He said the council of ministers strongly condemned the incident and demanded the immediate, unconditional release of the abductee.
He said the cabinet also passed the tourism and hotel management bill (2025), after being tabled by the state minister of animal resources and fisheries, Mr. Alex Lotiyu Elia.
He stated that the bill will now be presented to the state legislative assembly.
“The Government of Central Equatoria State, in its weekly Council of Ministers meeting chaired by H.E. Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, Governor of Central Equatoria State, on Thursday deliberated and passed a Tourism and Hotel Management Bill (2025).”
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.
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.
