By Otto Abut
The Commissioner of Magwi County, Hon. Pole-pole Benjamin Olum, has issued a sweeping Local Order No. 04/2025, imposing a complete ban on the export of charcoal produced within the county. The order, released on Monday, takes immediate effect.
The directive is issued pursuant to the powers granted by Presidential Decree No. RSS/RD/J/58/2024 and aligns with ongoing state efforts to curb illegal logging, as mandated by the Executive Order of Eastern Equatoria State Governor H.E. Louis Lobong Lojore, and further reinforced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment, and Forestry.
According to Pole-pole Benjamin, all charcoal found along roadsides, in forests, or stored in shops, depots, or vehicles will be confiscated as government property. The seized charcoal will be auctioned publicly, with the proceeds directed toward the rehabilitation of the Alia–Ngomoromo Road and county revenue.
As part of the order, no charcoal from Magwi County will be allowed to cross into other countries, with the ban enforced without exception.
Hon. Olum warned that anyone violating the order will face serious legal consequences, including arrests, fines, and prosecution. He instructed all security agencies operating in Magwi County to implement the ban promptly and maintain strict enforcement.
The order has been copied to the Governor of Eastern Equatoria State, the Minister of Local Government & Law Enforcement, and the Minister of Health.
The Magwi County Commissioner says the move aims to protect the region’s rapidly depleting forest resources and promote sustainable environmental practices amidst rising concerns over deforestation in the county.