Christ Church, Parliament initiate dialogue to end bloody land dispute

JUBA – After nearly three years of evictions, court battles and violence, South Sudan’s Parliament and Christ Church Nakasongola have initiated a formal dialogue aimed at resolving a long-running and chaotic land dispute that has left worshippers praying by the roadside in Juba.

Church leaders confirmed that parliamentary authorities recently reached out to them, signalling a shift away from confrontation toward negotiation over the contested land located behind the National Legislative Assembly.

“We have suffered for a long time,” said Rev. Abraham Marwal, a senior leader at Christ Church. “But as we approach 2026, the government has contacted us and assured us that this matter will be resolved. That gives us hope.”

From eviction to court

The dispute dates back to May 2022, when the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs issued an eviction notice ordering worshippers and residents of Christ Church Nakasongola to vacate the land.

Church leaders rejected the directive, insisting the land had belonged to the church for decades. Five senior clerics subsequently filed a case against the national government at the East African Court of Justice, accusing authorities of attempting to unlawfully seize church property.

According to the church’s lawyer, Wani Santino Jada, Christ Church Nakasongola has occupied and owned the land for more than 40 years.

As the case dragged on, parts of the church compound were demolished, forcing congregants to conduct services under tents along a busy road — a situation that has persisted for nearly three years.

Deadly turn

Tensions escalated in July 2024 when armed men attacked government security forces deployed at the church site, police said.

Four people were shot during the incident. One of them, a student identified as Deng Makhon, later died from his injuries, deepening outrage and drawing national attention to the dispute.

The killing transformed the land row into a broader concern about security, land rights and the protection of religious institutions in South Sudan.

Parliament opens talks

Church leaders say a breakthrough came late in 2025, when Parliament invited church representatives for dialogue.

Bishop Rev. Michael Kenyi said the meeting was convened by the Deputy First Speaker, who assured the church that Parliament wanted the matter settled peacefully.

“They told us they feel the pain of the church,” Kenyi said. “They want this issue resolved without hatred or grudges.”

Because the case remains before the courts, both sides agreed that any outcome must be formalised in writing. Legal teams from the church and the government are expected to engage in land restoration and possible compensation for property destroyed during the dispute.

Reconciliation with conditions

Despite years of displacement and the loss of life, church leaders say they are prioritising reconciliation.

“As a church, we have forgiven what happened,” Kenyi said. “But forgiveness does not mean abandoning justice. We want our land returned and what was destroyed compensated.”

The church hopes worshippers could return to their compound as early as January 2026, bringing an end to years of roadside prayers.

Bishop Charles Alfred William, the church’s caretaker and overseer, said Christ Church is fully committed to dialogue.

“We want to say to Parliament that we are at peace,” he said. “We are ready for dialogue and negotiation. Wherever they call us, we will come.”

For now, services continue under tents. But for Christ Church Nakasongola, the initiation of dialogue marks a rare moment of optimism in a dispute long defined by eviction orders, legal battles and bloodshed.