By Yiep Joseph
Central Equatoria state (CES) government has embarked on critical measures to end land disputes in Nyamini, Lado Payam of Juba County.
Recently, a fresh land dispute emerged in Lado Payam between Nyangwara-Pojulu Tijor and Bari communities
It started when the in Nyamini
Declaration of land demarcation in the area by Bari community, a move that Nyangwara-Pojulu Tijor community contested, spiked the dispute. This compelled the state government to halt demarcation and formed a committee to solve the misunderstanding.
Inline with conflict resolution, the state government initiated a 21-day review period to de-escalate a burgeoning land dispute in Nyamini.
According to CES governor’s press Unit, the deputy governor, Paulino Lukudu Obede, in a community gathering, emphasized the need for calm and adherence to legal processes.
He ordered immediate release of individuals arrested in connection with illegal land activities but cautioned against any further unsanctioned demarcation.
“I am directing the Commissioner of Juba County to release those who were arrested immediately,” he said.
He appealed to the public to cease all the demarcation process adding that the state government is playing its role to ensure that the conflict is solve.
“I also call on the community of Central Equatoria State to stop all demarcation activities that have not been approved by either the state government or the county authorities,”
Lukudu clarified that Nyamini’s current status would remain unchanged for the duration of the 21-day period. During this time, officials will conduct a comprehensive review, collecting perspectives and recommendations from all involved parties.
“There will be no demarcation of land in Nyamini, and the area will remain as it is until we resolve these matters,” he said.
He expressed that the process including getting the necessary information from all parties involve in the land wrangles.
“After hearing from both sides, the government will sit for 21 days to critically analyse the views, opinions, and recommendations. If, within this time, the conflicting communities reach a compromise and come to the government, we will then give the go-ahead for demarcation,” he said.
He assured residents that community representatives would be included in discussions at the review’s conclusion to discuss findings and determine next steps, urging peace and coexistence.
Adding to the call for resolution, Jacob Aligo, Central Equatoria State Minister for Peacebuilding, urged the parties to exercise honest dialogue.
“Solving conflict starts with understanding the underlying problems,” Aligo said
He highlighted the importance of bringing the involved communities together and advised the leaders to approach discussions with integrity, stating,
“Land demands justice by its very nature,” he said
The state minister of Local Government Hon. Leon Abe echoed the commitment to peaceful solutions, affirming the government’s support for legal and inclusive development.
“As a government, we are not against individuals or development. We are only against harmful and illegal practices,” he said.
On his part, Juba County Commissioner Emmanuel Tete Ezbon expressed significant frustration over persistent illegal land demarcations.
He indicated that some communities had repeatedly ignored official warnings, proceeding with land allocation in Nyamini without proper approvals.
“Some communities, including those from Elli Kare and Kuda Lo-Dimi in Lodu and Luri Payams, respectively, started demarcating land without approval,” he said.
“These communities came to me seven times requesting to demarcate and allot land, and I clearly told them that Nyamini has unresolved issues.” He added
The Commissioner had previously issued an order banning all activities, citing security risks and legal concerns.
He emphasized that any land development requires prior approval, warning that defiance could escalate tensions.
As the 21-day review commences, Central Equatoria State authorities are pressing all stakeholders to prioritize peace and lawful processes to resolve the ongoing land tensions in Nyamini.