Violence Erupts in Land Dispute Between Church and Residents in Munuki, Juba
Juba, South Sudan – Tensions over land ownership in Munuki, Juba, have erupted into violence, prompting authorities to halt all land allocation activities in the area. The dispute involves the St. Stephen Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECS) and local residents fighting over a parcel of land believed to be contested property.
The conflict has roots in allegations that the Central Equatoria State (CES) government is attempting to seize land currently occupied by the church, while residents accuse the church of forging land titles to claim ownership. The situation intensified during a recent visit by Archbishop Most Rev. Justin Badi Arama, Primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, who was there to launch a three-day conference aimed at mediating the dispute.
Trouble escalated when reports surfaced that some church members dismantled a fence on one of the plots reportedly allocated to a resident, leading to a violent clash. Residents responded by throwing stones at church attendees, prompting police intervention to restore order.
In response to the unrest, CES Minister of Housing, Land, and Public Utilities David Morbe Aquilino announced the suspension of all land-related activities in the area, calling on both parties to exercise restraint and pursue peaceful dialogue. State officials, including the Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the State Security Advisor, are actively involved in mediation efforts to de-escalate the conflict.
The situation remains tense as authorities work to find a lasting resolution to the land dispute, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and adherence to legal procedures to prevent further violence.
