(Juba) – The South Sudan Land Alliance has raised fresh concerns over the widespread possession of illegal firearms by civilians, stating that the presence of weapons is directly contributing to an increase in land grabbing across the country. The organisation is urging the government to launch a nationwide disarmament campaign and to strengthen enforcement of land laws.
Chairperson of the Alliance, Dorothy Drabuga, said in a public statement that armed individuals are using their weapons to intimidate vulnerable communities and take land by force. Many of those affected are poor families who lack both legal and physical protection. She emphasised that land grabbing has become more common in areas where civilian gun ownership remains unchecked.
“Those with weapons are using them to take land from poor civilians who have no means to defend themselves,” said Drabuga. “If the government carries out serious disarmament and enforces the laws, we believe land grabbing will decrease.”
The South Sudan Land Alliance, which includes civil society groups focused on land rights and governance, believes that unless the government acts urgently, the situation could worsen. Drabuga called for immediate and coordinated disarmament efforts to remove illegal weapons from civilian hands and reduce the violence associated with land disputes.
She also encouraged citizens to follow legal procedures when obtaining land, rather than resorting to informal or violent means. According to the Alliance, peaceful resolution and legal clarity are essential in preventing future conflicts over land.
This renewed warning comes as civil society organisations press for the urgent passage of the long-delayed National Land Policy Bill, which is intended to provide a legal framework for land ownership and use in South Sudan. With Parliament expected to resume sittings soon, activists are calling on lawmakers to fast-track the bill to help resolve existing land conflicts and prevent new ones.
Land disputes have been a recurring issue in South Sudan, particularly in areas affected by displacement, returnees, or unclear boundaries between traditional and government-held land. These disputes are often worsened by the lack of proper documentation, community engagement, or enforcement of existing laws.
The use of armed civilians in land conflicts adds another layer of insecurity, making peaceful resolution more difficult. Without disarmament and legal reform, civil society organisations argue that tensions over land will continue to undermine peacebuilding and national development efforts.
South Sudan has made previous attempts to disarm civilians, but many campaigns have faced challenges due to insecurity, mistrust, and logistical constraints. Despite these difficulties, observers say a fresh and more coordinated approach could yield better results if supported by political will and community involvement.
