Arop Jonchol
Morobo – News Agencies
The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) have uncovered extensive illegal logging activities in the Baniyomi area of Morobo County, following the recent recapture of the region from opposition forces affiliated with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO).
Morobo County Commissioner, Charles Data Boline, told the press that government forces discovered large quantities of illegally harvested timber in the area. “We found many trees cut down by SPLM-IO. This was an illegal activity they were engaged in,” he stated.
The region has witnessed repeated tensions and clashes between government and opposition forces. However, the SSPDF’s recent military gains have brought to light the extent of illegal exploitation of natural resources, particularly in the timber sector.
The trade in so-called “Morgan wood” has raised increasing concern across East African nations, with environmental reports indicating that a significant portion of this timber is illegally sourced from South Sudan, especially from Central Equatoria State areas like Baniyomi.
Attempts to obtain a response from SPLM-IO leadership regarding the accusations were unsuccessful due to communication challenges at the time of reporting.
