Gov’t and partners organize two-day conference in Bentiu to address land disputes

BENTIU – Unity State authorities, in collaboration with humanitarian partners, on Tuesday convened a two-day land rights conference to address rising disputes over land grabbing, replacement, and claims.

The conference, attended by the Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agency, seven county commissioners, community leaders, and representatives of internally displaced persons camps, aimed to iron out land-related issues arising from the recent return of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Many abandoned their homes during South Sudan’s civil war five-year-old civil war, only to find it occupied upon their return. Some occupants claim to have obtained legal ownership from the Ministry of Land and Housing, sparking disputes.

Speaking during the opening session of the conference in Bentiu, the minister of local government and law enforcement agencies William Dak Koy urged the ministry of land and housing to strictly adhere to the 2009 Land Act to prevent land grabbing and disputes.

“If you know your land and have the documents, even if lost during the war, report to the ministry if someone occupies your land,” Koy said. He emphasized the right of IDPs to reclaim their land.

“According to the 2009 Land Act, after surveying, the person has full ownership rights,” Koy said. “Land cannot be replaced without their consent. Let’s uphold the Land Act.”

Paul Gak, Director General of the Ministry of Land and Housing noted that 112,329 returnees were hosted in Rubkona and Leer counties.

He assured the public of efforts to end land grabbing and disputes within government-surveyed lands.

“This conference promotes and protects housing, land, and property rights,” Gak said. “We are working hard to end land grabbing as many of you return.”

However, some community leaders blamed the state government for allowing commissioners to resurvey land owned by others after the conflict, further complicating the issue.