Minister of Lands Unveils Revised Draft of National Land Policy 2023 for Legislative Approval
The Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development has presented the revised draft of the South Sudan National Land Policy 2023 to the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) for review and approval, marking a significant step forward after a three-year hiatus following the withdrawal of the 2014 draft policy.
Initially submitted to the TNLA in 2020, the former draft was retracted due to feedback from the Standing Parliamentary Committee on Lands and Infrastructure, which called for a comprehensive revision to address changing socio-political conditions and the growing impacts of global climate change. The new draft has undergone several rounds of consultations to tackle emerging land issues while ensuring women’s rights and access to land are prioritized.
Incorporating the principles of the 2013 Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS) and the 2018 Revitalized Agreement (R-ARCSS), this revised policy is structured to promote social cohesion, economic development, and improved livelihoods in South Sudan.
During the presentation, Hon. Michael Chiangjiek Geay emphasized the essential role of land in South Sudanese society. “Land is a precious heritage and cultural asset, and its use is fundamental for present and future generations, allowing us to honor those who have passed in their respective burial yards,” he stated on Wednesday.
Supporting his concerns, Chiangjiek referenced a report from the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), which forecasts a global population increase from 8.1 billion in 2023 to 9.7 billion by 2050. He noted that the number of African cities with populations exceeding 20 million will double due to rising urbanization and fertility rates, with South Sudan’s cities being no exception.
He further highlighted the rapid urban growth in South Sudan, estimated at a staggering 17%, driven largely by a surge in foreign immigration. “The influx of foreigners is a major factor behind this extraordinary urban growth,” Chiangjiek explained.
Increasing agricultural productivity and technological advancements are also placing unprecedented pressure on both urban and rural land. “Enhanced agricultural yields and technological innovations driven by economic and security competition have intensified the demand for land resources,” he warned.
Reflecting on the policy’s development, which has spanned from 2006 to 2023, the Minister detailed an extensive process involving study tours, workshops, public consultations, and collaborative research spearheaded by the South Sudan Land Commission.
This comprehensive policy development included extensive input from various stakeholders, such as national and state governments, administrative entities, city municipalities, community leaders, civil society organizations, academia, media outlets, and development partners.
Hon. Nathaniel Oyet, Deputy Speaker of the TNLA, has referred the draft to the specialized committees on land and infrastructure, legislation, and justice, requesting a report back to the Assembly within a matter of weeks.
The proposed five-chapter policy aims to address critical land issues, establishing a framework for the efficient and equitable utilization of South Sudan’s land and resources. This initiative is anticipated to serve as a foundation for fostering social cohesion, stimulating economic development, and enhancing living standards across the nation.
