From May 19 to 24, 2025, the Jaylayday Clan in Grand Gedeh, the Dougboken Clan in River Gee, and the Fanfin Clan in Sinoe officially received CUSTOMARY LAND TITLE DEEDS AND COMMUNITY SELF-IDENTIFICATION CERTIFICATES as part of the implementation of the 2018 Land Rights Act.
This process is part of a significant achievement under the Securing Land Rights for Women and Rural Communities in Southeastern Liberia project, funded by the European Union (EU).
During the event, Simona Camillini, Programme Officer for Gender, Civil Society, and Communication at the EU Delegation in Liberia, praised the efforts behind the land rights achievement and encouraged the three clans to use their land deeds meaningfully to impact their respective communities.
Madam Camillini, during separate presentations across the three counties, delivered the Land Title Deeds and Community Self-Identification Certificates to the Liberia Land Authority, which then forwarded them to the County Authorities, and subsequently to the clan chiefs and the CLDMCs, marking a historic event for community empowerment.
On behalf of DEN-L, the M&E Officer, Kennedy Vesselee, praised the implementing partners and the European Union for the funding provided to the project.
“This achievement would not have been possible without the collaborative strength of many actors. We are proud to have implemented this project alongside ActionAid Liberia and ForumCIV, with generous financial and strategic support from the European Union,” Kennedy added.
He called on the three communities—Jaylayday, Dougboken, and Fanfin Clans—that received legal recognition to protect, manage, and utilize these title deeds in the best interest of their respective communities.
Mr. Kennedy, in deep appreciation, acknowledged the Liberia Land Authority (LLA) for its technical leadership, legal guidance, and policy oversight throughout the process.
Meanwhile, the project benefited 30 women-led livelihood groups and empowered over 900 women across the three counties.
The formal recognition of these communities’ customary land rights represents a significant step forward in inclusive land governance, community empowerment, and sustainable development in southeastern Liberia.
