YEI — The Commissioner of Yei River County of South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Taban Seme, on Tuesday ordered joint security forces to crack down on stray animals roaming public roads and highways.
The order follows safety concerns raised by members of the public about the growing number of stray animals roaming the town.
Taban ordered a joint security apparatus comprising police, prison officers, wildlife officials, and members of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSDPF) to apprehend stray animals found roaming freely within the town.
“We have now resorted to law enforcement to implement the orders,” Taban said.
He said the move is part of the local government’s efforts to enforce existing regulations aimed at controlling the presence of untethered animals—particularly goats, sheep, and cattle—that have for years caused damage to farms and community gardens.
The Commissioner noted that despite repeated awareness campaigns through radio talk shows, public announcements, and community meetings, residents have largely failed to comply with the directives to restrain their animals.
For his part, Towongo Santo, a local government official, said over 34 goats were impounded near the Civil Hospital and Freedom Square within the first hour of the enforcement exercise.
“We will continue this operation for two weeks to round up all roaming animals in town and prevent further conflict between farmers and livestock owners, especially during these economically challenging times,” Santo added.
He stressed that the local government has consistently advised residents to tie up their animals but failed to adhere to the commissioner’s directives.
