Yei Residents Celebrate Goat Free Streets

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Residents of Yei River County have voiced strong support for a recent government order banning the movement of livestock in public and residential areas. The order, issued by County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme, aims to reduce damage to crops and prevent animals from disrupting daily life in the town.

Betty Dawa, a resident of Hai Lebben, praised the decision, noting a visible improvement in the town’s cleanliness and order.

“The order has restored a good image in the town. Nowadays we rarely see goats, cows and sheep roaming in the streets and residential areas,” she said.

Another local, Alafi Moses from Jigomoni neighbourhood, commended both the commissioner and local security organs for taking meaningful action.

“This is the first time we have seen an order banning roaming domestic animals being properly implemented in Yei,” he said.

Moses encouraged the county authorities to maintain enforcement until all residents comply with local laws.

Similarly, Edmund Hakim from Hai Gabat expressed appreciation for the proactive steps taken by the commissioner and the county security team.

“This is what we want. The chiefs and the security organs were very serious about the implementation of the order, and this is good for the people living in Yei town,” he said.

He urged livestock owners to adopt controlled grazing practices to prevent their animals from damaging crops in gardens and residential areas. According to Hakim, unrestrained animals have often destroyed vegetable plots, leading to disputes between residents and livestock owners.

The enforcement order was issued following widespread public complaints about livestock, especially goats, sheep and cattle, destroying farmland and causing obstruction in populated neighbourhoods.

The crackdown began on Monday, 21 July 2025, and will continue for an initial period of three months. A joint team made up of officers from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), police, wildlife services and the prisons department is carrying out the enforcement.

Commissioner Seme explained that this move follows multiple warnings to livestock owners, including public awareness campaigns via local radio, community meetings, and official announcements.

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

He further stated that the county administration had urged livestock owners to fence in or tie up their animals to prevent them from straying into public and cultivated areas. Non compliance has now led to active intervention.

Local reports suggest that the enforcement has already led to noticeable improvements across Yei town. Community members hope the continued crackdown will build long term respect for public regulations and contribute to a cleaner and safer environment.

No official fines or penalties have been disclosed.