Azande Customary Law Proposal on Property Right in Western Equatoria

South Sudan is a country of diversity with different cultural practices and beliefs.  There is a cultural and traditional belief among the Azande who are one of the 64 tribes in South Sudan are that, when a husband dies the widow must leave the home and all the property. These properties are to be shared among the surviving relatives of the deceased and the relatives of the widow. This kind of tradition contributes immensely to the vicious circle of poverty among Azande women.

In the Azande kingdom, there are oral customary laws that have been passed from generation to the other. These customary laws do not defend women property right. With the restoration of the Azande kingdom, there is need for the Azande customary law to be written and revised to defend property right.

OLENT and its partners in consultation with the cabinet of Azande kingdom was given an approval to draft the customary law on property right. An adhoc committee comprising of the traditional chiefs, women and youth leaders was formed and tasked to write a section of the Azande customary law focusing on property right. This portion of customary law after completion and approval by the cabinet of the Azande kingdom will later be incorporated into Azande Customary Law and thereafter come into law upon its signature by the king of Azande.

Once this customary law is signed into law, the Azande women will have a ground to defend their property right. Property that is lawfully acquired and owned by women but unlawfully taken, will be reclaimed. This will also be the base for ruling on property disputes in the traditional courts of law. Those women who have suffered in silence for so long and whose property right was violated will have a leaning shoulder for hope.