[PHOTOS] – SSPDF Joins Crackdown on Stray Animals in Yei Town

(YEI) – Authorities in Yei River County have launched a two week crackdown on freely roaming animals within the town and residential areas, following rising concerns about livestock destroying crops and disrupting movement in populated zones.

The operation which began on Monday, 21st July 2025 is being jointly enforced by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), the police, wildlife officers and the prisons department.

County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme said the crackdown is aimed at enforcing longstanding regulations designed to prevent livestock, particularly goats, sheep and cattle from wandering into farmland and community gardens. These animals, he explained, have repeatedly damaged crops, leading to complaints from residents and farmers.

“Despite repeated public awareness through radio talk shows, announcements and community meetings, some livestock owners have refused to restrain their animals,” said Commissioner Seme. “We are tired of just talking. We are now taking enforcement action.”

The Commissioner indicated that the county authorities had made several appeals to livestock owners to tie up or fence in their animals. However, continued non compliance has prompted the new enforcement measure.

Towongo Santo, a local government official involved in the exercise, confirmed that in just the first hour of the operation, 34 goats were seized from the area around the Civil Hospital and Freedom Square.

He stressed that the crackdown was necessary due to the failure of livestock owners to follow official instructions.

“We have advised people many times. This operation will continue for two weeks,” said Santo. “It is important we prevent any further conflict between farmers and livestock owners especially now when food insecurity and economic pressures are affecting so many households.”

Santo added that the local administration hopes the campaign will send a strong signal that uncontrolled livestock movement will no longer be tolerated in urban areas.

It remains unclear what penalties, if any, will be applied to the livestock owners or how long the impounded animals will be held. Local sources indicated that the animals are currently being held at police and prison facilities.

The enforcement follows rising concerns in other parts of South Sudan about the economic cost of livestock damaging farmland in urban centres, especially during the rainy season when crops are most vulnerable.

Local officials have not yet provided information on whether fines or fees will be imposed to recover the animals or cover administrative costs related to their impoundment.

Yei’s residents are being encouraged to report any unattended animals to the local authorities as the operation continues.