By Nakwan Rose
National High-Level Land Committee adopted key resolutions on Wednesday aimed at intensifying efforts to resolve land-related disputes in Juba and surrounding areas.
The committee, formed in 2021 by President Salva Kiir Mayardit to tackle escalating land issues like grabbing and illegal settlements, held a meeting to restore lawful land management practices.
The meeting was chaired by National Minister of Land, Housing, and Urban Development Michael Chiengjiak and co-chaired by Central Equatoria State Governor Gen. Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani, and included senior officials and security representatives.
Speaking to the press, Central Equatoria State Minister of Housing, Lands, and Public Utilities David Morbe reaffirmed the committee’s strong commitment.
Morbe urged citizens with verified land ownership documents to be patient, assuring them that the government is actively working to secure and protect their legitimate claims.
“I want to make it unequivocally clear that my initial Ministerial Order concerning the demarcation or re-demarcation of areas previously surveyed by the Ministry remains in full force—no further demarcations will be permitted in those zones,” stated Hon. Morbe.
“Furthermore, the unauthorized use of private Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for land grabbing purposes is strictly prohibited. The Ministry retains exclusive authority over GPS usage, and any individual intending to utilize it must follow official procedures. This meeting marks a critical step in our resolve to uphold the rule of law and stamp out illegal land acquisition.”
Emmanuel Tete Ezbon, Commissioner of Juba County, highlighted the committee’s resolutions to engage directly with local stakeholders—including community leaders, chiefs, intellectuals, and Members of Parliament—to collaboratively develop lasting solutions to land conflicts.
He also emphasized the urgent need to enforce the Presidential Order banning the involvement of armed personnel in land allocation acting as chiefs, reiterating the government’s commitment to returning land to its rightful owners.
“We have recommended that all demarcated plots be formally handed over to their rightful owners, particularly and among other areas such as Jonduru, Khor William, Kapuri, the Eastern Bank of Juba, and sections of Mangalla Payam. Additional locations will be identified and addressed by the Committee in due course. As Committee members, we are formulating robust mechanisms in collaboration with law enforcement agencies to ensure the full implementation of these resolutions,” said Tete.
Established by Presidential Order in 2021, the National Land Committee remains a central pillar in the government’s ongoing efforts to restore order, transparency, and justice in land administration across Juba County and wider Central Equatoria State.