Immediate Court Trial Demanded for Detained Forestry Officials in Kajo-Keji

(KAJO-KEJI COUNTY) – A local environmental and human rights activist has urged the authorities in Kajo-Keji County, to promptly bring two detained forestry officials to court following their arrest last month in connection with alleged illegal logging.

The two senior government officials were taken into custody on 22 July 2025, suspected of being involved in unauthorised logging activities in violation of a directive issued on 16 July by the Kajo-Keji County Commissioner.

The directive banned all timber related operations across several villages, including Nyepo, Limi, Lilo and Kala, in an effort to preserve local forests and halt unsanctioned timber trade.

Local sources confirmed that the two officials are affiliated with the County Directorate of Agriculture, Environment and Forestry. According to Mule, an official from the same department, the arrests were carried out by Military Intelligence (MI) agents following allegations that the suspects facilitated the extraction and illegal transport of timber across the border into Uganda.

The detainees are currently being held in a local facility while preliminary investigations continue. Mule noted that after these inquiries are completed, the suspects will be handed over to the police for formal legal proceedings in accordance with South Sudanese law.

However, Victor Batali Silas, a vocal rights advocate, has publicly called on the county authorities to ensure that the suspects are arraigned in court without further delay. He emphasised the importance of respecting due process and maintaining public confidence in the justice system.

“This will enhance the fairness of the trial and uphold the integrity of the justice system in the county. Authorities should act in accordance with the rule of law and ensure justice is served swiftly,” said Batali.

He called for public hearings in such cases and stressed the necessity of transparency and legal accountability. Quoting the South Sudan Code of Criminal Procedures Act, 2008, Batali pointed out that under Section 64, Subsection 1, individuals arrested during an investigation should not be held for more than 24 hours without being brought before a court.

He argued that delays not only violate the suspects’ rights to a fair and speedy trial, but also risk undermining public trust in the judicial process.

“The justice system should be more prompt and effective to avoid deterioration of evidence and protect the emotional wellbeing of suspects and their families,” he added.

According to Batali, long detentions without trial can harm the accused both emotionally and socially, making it difficult for them to defend their reputations. He warned that such delays also contribute to a lack of community trust in the legal process due to limited information and uncertainty surrounding investigations.

This case is the latest in a growing number of incidents related to environmental protection in South Sudan. Authorities in Kajo-Keji have yet to issue an official statement on the timeline for the next steps in the case.