Lessons Learned from South Sudan Protection of Civilian Sites 2013–2016

65
James
Bor PoC Site
50–60 years old, Nuer
Before the crisis, James lived and worked in Bor and
thinks of Bor as his home. Since it was made the capital
of Jonglei State it belongs to all the people of Jonglei
and he intends to return to Bor town when peace comes
back. In the past there was an unwritten policy that only
Bor Dinka can only own land in Bor town, while other
people groups have to rent it from them. Nuer working
in Bor went and grabbed two blocks in Bor that were
‘unclaimed’ at a place called Shinuar Ben and settled there
and built houses, including James. Before the violence
happened the state government was going to give those
who lived there land deeds, but only some people have
their land deeds as the crisis occurred before they all
received them. Now Dinka have taken over houses and
land that belonged to Nuer and there will be issues of
land if peace comes and people want to return. If Nuer
security forces return to Bor the Nuer IDPs will not fear
leaving the PoC. However, those who are squatting on
their land must leave and the Transitional Government
of National Unity will need to solve this issue before
people can return. Before the implementation of the
peace deal the President is creating new states, but
James doesn’t see this as legitimate as it is not part of the
agreement between the parties. He believes the division
of new state borders along ethnic lines will make more
tensions and could lead to a continuation of conflict.
An independent land management committee must be
created to settle all the disputes that will arise with the
returns. The state capitals, and Juba, are for all people
and therefore the host community should not decide
alone about land rights issues.
"... the division of new state borders along
ethnic lines will make more tensions and
could lead to a continuation of conflict."