Unclear land rights, overlapping land claims and uncertain land security have characterised the history of South Sudan, and being exacerbated by the regular cycles of violence. By taking the cities of Torit and Wau between 2021 and 2022 as case studies, this article considers the practical interventions for land justice and the dynamics of land justice in South Sudan. This is done by conducting qualitative research with a focus on: (a) providing an overview of…

With governance increasingly regarded as co-governance, states’ capacity to steer, correct, and discipline a wide range of self-governing actors becomes crucial for states’ effectiveness, efficiency, and democracy. This article investigates that capacity and the relationship between formal institutions and customary self-governance in areas of limited statehood. In South Sudan, the field of land governance can be regarded as an area of limited statehood. As land relations are closely connected to clan structures and intra-familial relationships,…

The conference is part of the work envisaged under equal land rights from women and youths. The IGAD Land Governance Unit focuses on strengthening the implementation of land governance in-country, translating regionally developed tools and frameworks into implementable tools by Member States for improved tenure security, reduced conflict, improved food security, and increased economic wellbeing of the citizens. This is hinged on improving land administration systems to enable the documentation of land rights and resolve…

Customary ownership and control of land is an essential component of any consideration of land tenure and access in South Sudan and Africa in general. Customary traditions of land tenure emphasize moderate use, restoration, and community health and prosperity. Returnees to South Sudan access land primarily through the customary system. Yet, many returnees are subjected to corrupt practices or are simply unaware of their rights both within and beyond the customary systems. Displaced women are…

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