In the subsequent period, rights of
access to agricultural land for cultivation of crops and
livestock production, water for irrigation, forest products,
and petroleum reserves for export revenues have been
contested at national, regional and local levels. Conflicts
among competing groups for access to and control over
land and water are common in South Sudan. The decades
of war, prevalence of weapons, and numbers of people with
combat experience have increased the likelihood of disputes
turning violent. Establishment of an eff ective, integrated,
socially legitimate system for resolution of disputes over
land, water and other natural resources is critical to South
Sudan’s future. While progress has been made in addressing
these problems, the reality is that issues of access to land and
natural resources and security for the population continue
to demand urgent and sustained attention.