Yei Locals Welcome Order to Remove Free Roaming Animals from Streets

(YEI, CENTRAL EQUATORIA) – A government led crackdown on stray domestic animals in Yei town has been welcomed by residents who have long complained of disruptions caused by roaming livestock. The two week operation, which began on Monday, 21st July 2025, aims to remove goats, sheep and cattle from residential and urban areas across Yei, following growing public concern over damage to crops and obstruction in public places.

The operation is being jointly implemented by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), the national police, wildlife officers and personnel from the prisons service.

Yei River County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme confirmed that the exercise is part of efforts to enforce longstanding local regulations that prohibit domestic animals from moving freely in public spaces, farmlands and town centres. He noted that livestock, particularly goats and cows, have continued to destroy crops and disrupt town life despite numerous warnings to their owners.

“Despite repeated public awareness campaigns on local radios, community meetings, and formal notices, some livestock owners have deliberately ignored our instructions. We are no longer just talking. We are acting,” said the Commissioner.

He added that the authorities had offered multiple warnings and education campaigns before taking this enforcement step. However, many livestock owners continued to allow their animals to roam, prompting complaints from farmers and other town residents.

Local support for the crackdown has been strong. John Bakata, a resident of Hai Gabat, expressed relief at the new measures.

“Yei is a town with many people from different backgrounds. It is shameful to see goats and cows walking through the streets like people. The government is doing the right thing,” said Bakata.

He also suggested that animal owners who break the rules should face heavy fines or taxes to discourage repeat offences.

Another resident, Aloro David from Lomuku One, said the measure was positive but urged the government to focus on enforcing such laws consistently.

“This is a good move. But our problem in South Sudan is implementation. The government often announces good orders, but within a few weeks, everything returns to the old ways,” he said.

Nadia Tumalu, a local restaurant owner in Yei town, also supported the crackdown, noting that stray animals had been causing business losses for years.

“These goats and sheep even come and eat our cooked food. They cause real damage to businesses like mine. The government should have done this long ago,” said Tumalu.

She called for firm regulations to help Yei become one of the most orderly towns in South Sudan.

Authorities have not yet announced penalties for non-compliance, but residents are hopeful that stricter enforcement will continue beyond the two week campaign.

Yei Residents Support Crackdown on Roaming Animals