YAMBIO – The Commissioner of Yambio County in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State has banned foreign nationals from engaging in logging activities, citing severe environmental damage and the loss of benefits to local communities.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during a high-level consultative meeting chaired by Commissioner Michael Ismail Medi.
The meeting brought together youth leaders, women’s representatives, community policing units, the Director of National Security, and Edward Mombasa, Deputy Chief of Yambio Town, to discuss environmental protection, security, and public hygiene.
Commissioner Medi said illegal logging by foreigners has devastated the county’s forests, depriving communities of essential resources such as firewood, wild fruits, and construction materials. He added that the unchecked exploitation undermines family incomes that could support school fees, food, and other daily needs.
“Foreigners are exploiting our natural resources without giving anything back to the community, and this practice must stop,” he said.
Deputy Chief Mombasa welcomed the ban and pledged the community’s support in reporting illegal logging. He assured authorities that local leaders would work closely with security agencies to protect forest resources and ensure communities benefit from them.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing security concerns across Yambio County. Commissioner Medi urged residents to strengthen neighbourhood watch programs, collaborate with security forces, and report suspicious activities promptly. Participants agreed to enhance coordination between communities and law enforcement to maintain peace.
On public hygiene, leaders underscored the importance of collective responsibility. They called for regular cleaning campaigns to prevent disease outbreaks, improve public health, and enhance the appearance of the town. Commissioner Medi stressed that maintaining a clean environment requires consistent participation from all residents.
To ensure compliance, the Commissioner announced penalties for anyone violating the logging ban or neglecting public hygiene regulations. He said the measures are meant to safeguard the environment, improve security, and foster unity among residents.
Commissioner Medi concluded by urging citizens to respect county regulations, cooperate with authorities, and take ownership of efforts to build a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable Yambio County.
The Office of the Commissioner reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, community engagement, and enforcement of policies that protect both the people and the environment. But previous attempts to ban logging have failed.
In 2023, for example, Mbiko Barakat, the then Commissioner of Yambio County, banned illegal logging – citing existential threats to indigenous tree species like mahogany.
But years later, illegal logging remains thanks to conflicting authority, inadequate enforcement, and economic factors.
