Kajo-Keji Clarifies Charcoal Truck Clearance as Emergency Supply Operation

(KAJO-KEJI COUNTY) – The Kajo-Keji County Commissioner’s Office has clarified reports circulating about a document authorising the movement of a charcoal truck across the South Sudan-Uganda border, stating that the clearance was granted strictly for an emergency logistical operation and not as a green light for the charcoal trade.

The clarification follows the release of a document dated 30 July 2025, which approved the movement of a truck loaded with old charcoal. According to the Commissioner’s Office, the truck had already crossed into Uganda through the Mijale border at the time of clearance and could not be turned back.

Authorities explained that the document was issued in the context of an internal security resolution aimed at resolving an urgent supply crisis. The vehicle was authorised to deliver essential food and fuel supplies to soldiers stationed in Nyainga-Muda, who had reportedly run out of resources on 31 July 2025.

Local authorities emphasised that the clearance was granted for this single occasion and should not be misconstrued as official permission for illegal charcoal or timber operations.

“This Clearance does not, in any way, support or legitimise illegal logging or charcoal trade in Kajo-Keji County,” the statement read.

The Commissioner’s Office reiterated its ongoing commitment to environmental protection, stressing that significant actions have already been taken to halt and silence unlawful tree cutting and logging activities across the county.

The administration has previously launched campaigns and security operations to curb deforestation, a growing environmental and cross-border concern in Central Equatoria State.

Officials urged residents and all stakeholders to continue cooperating with the government’s environmental protection efforts.

For further information, the County Commissioner’s Office advised that all media inquiries be directed to the Office of the Press Secretary.