Civilians With Guns Fuel Land Grabbing, Says South Sudan Land Alliance

(Juba) – The South Sudan Land Alliance has called for a nationwide campaign to remove illegal firearms from civilians, saying the unchecked spread of guns is worsening land grabbing in many parts of the country.

Dorothy Drabuga, the Chairperson of the Alliance, said the growing number of armed civilians is making it easier for powerful individuals to take land by force, often from poor or vulnerable communities who have no means to defend themselves.

“Those with weapons are using them to take land from poor civilians who have no means to defend themselves,” Drabuga said in a recent statement. “If the government carries out serious disarmament and enforces the laws, we believe land grabbing will decrease.”

According to Drabuga, communities across South Sudan are increasingly suffering from forced land takeovers by individuals who are emboldened by their access to weapons. The Land Alliance believes this problem cannot be resolved unless the government enforces the law and conducts proper disarmament operations across the country.

She also reminded citizens to use legal channels when acquiring land, rather than relying on informal or violent means.

The call for action comes at a time when civil society organizations are pressing lawmakers to prioritize the long-delayed National Land Policy Bill. Parliament is expected to reconvene soon, and activists want the bill fas -tracked to offer legal clarity and protection for landowners.

South Sudan has faced repeated land related tensions since independence, with disputes sometimes leading to violence.

Many areas, especially those with displaced populations or returnees, face confusion over land ownership, traditional rights, and government claims.

Civil society groups say that without a strong legal framework and enforcement, land conflicts will continue to fuel insecurity in the country.