At the time that the CPA was signed, the Government of
National Unity (GNU) and the Government of Southern
Sudan (GOSS) recognized the need for development
of land policy, and related legislation, institutions, and
supporting services. 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. Confl icts
among competing groups for access to and control over
land and water are common in South Sudan. Th e 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.