Authorities in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, have announced a suspension of all logging activities by individuals and companies in a bid to tackle illegal practices and improve regulation.
The move comes amid widespread reports of unregulated logging in Yei, Morobo, Lainya, and Kajo-Keji counties, where both companies and individuals have been accused of exploiting forest resources without proper oversight.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Friday, Yei River County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme said the suspension would allow for a reorganization of the sector.
“We want to reorganize the logging and cutting of poles. We need to register all companies and check their documents to identify those operating illegally,” he explained.
Commissioner Seme highlighted the financial losses suffered by both state and national governments due to poor forest management.
“Some [loggers] are registered, but others are not. Some even come with approvals from the national level, but the lack of proper management means we are losing significant revenue,” he said.
He urged individuals and companies to ensure they have the correct documentation before resuming operations.
Logging is a major economic activity in Yei River County, but it has raised concerns about environmental degradation and its contribution to climate change.
The local government has not yet specified how long the suspension will remain in place or when new regulations will be implemented.
