LLA Launches New Platform to Manage Land Conflict

As part of efforts to resolve land conflicts in Liberia, the Liberia Land Authority (LLA), with support from partners, has launched a Community Land Intervention Monitoring and Management Tool (CLIMT), aimed at reporting information on land conflict in the country.

The CLIMT is expected to improve the ability of the LLA to manage and monitor Civil Society Organizations (CSO) activities, as well as support donors’ coordination and transparency on reporting land data.

The platform was technically developed by CADASTA Foundation with support from the Swedish Embassy in Monrovia.  

CADASTA Foundation was founded in 2015 to develop and promote the use of simple digital tools and technology to help partners efficiently document, analyze, store and share critical land and resources rights information.

Speaking at the official launch of the platform on December 3, 2021, in Monrovia, LLA Chairperson, Atty. Adams Manobah, stressed the importance of adequate budgetary support to achieve the full implementation of the land rights law.

Atty. Manobah acknowledged that his institution has been significantly reliant on donor funding to supplement the government’s support to the Authority.

He indicated that if the budget for his institution were increased, it would enable them to create more awareness and interpret the Land Rights Act adequately as well as resolve land conflicts across the country. 

According to him, the LLA remains committed to ensuring that land disputes are minimized through awareness activities of the LRA and LLA.

Meanwhile, Sweden Deputy Head of Mission to Liberia, Johan Romare has described the Land Rights Act as key to maintaining democracy, human rights, and gender equality in Liberia.

According to Mr. Romare, the land dispute in any growing society is a challenge to the growth and social-economic empowerment and development of that society.

He added that the government, CSOs, and citizens must take the lead in handling land disputes appropriately.

 “Land disputes have over the years disintegrated great families and broken the fabric of great customary communities. Today, women, men, youth, and persons with disabilities have equal rights and protection to land. The voices of women cannot be overlooked, thus, women have the rights to form part in customary land matters,” he explained.

“Well, did you know that land disputes can also destroy the peace of a given country? While it is important to encourage communities to formalize their customary land, we are also encouraging buyers of land to also seek advice from the LLA office before doing land transactions. This will help prevent the double sales of land, and as well help you find the right owner of the land you want to buy,” he added.

Mr. Romare said it is important for people who have acquired land and are yet to register their lands, to do so as the LLA is the only place for all land registration. 

Meanwhile, he has called on donor partners who are interested in the development of Liberia to help the LLA technically and financially.