The authorities in Central Equatoria State have confirmed that four suspected land grabbers have been arrested following violent clashes over land in the Joppa Two area of Juba County over the weekend.
At least two people were killed and three others injured after two groups accused of illegal land grabbing clashed with residents.
“The violence involved individuals claiming to be local chiefs who were allegedly carrying out unauthorized land demarcations. Security forces had to intervene to prevent further loss of life,” the State Advisor on Security and Peace, Angelo Daya, said.
He added that the security forces successfully contained the situation and restored calm in the area.
“We have restored order in Joppa Two,” he stated. “The situation is now stable, and security agencies remain on alert to prevent any recurrence.”
Last week, the Central Equatoria State Minister of Housing, Land, and Public Utilities issued a directive suspending all land demarcation and planning activities across the state.
Land-related conflicts continue to pose a major challenge in Central Equatoria, particularly in and around Juba, fueled by rapid urban expansion, weak regulation, and overlapping authorities. Past government attempts to curb illegal land allocations have often met resistance amid accusations of selective enforcement and political interference.