(MAGWI COUNTY) – Authorities in Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State, have formed a multi sector committee to enforce a ban on illegal charcoal export and logging, a move aimed at protecting forest resources and improving local revenue control.
The committee was created under Local Order No. 05 of 2025, issued on 17 December 2025 by the County Commissioner, Pole pole Benjamin Olum. The order was issued under powers granted by a presidential decree and sets out the structure and mandate of the new enforcement body.
The taskforce will be chaired by Mannix Augustine Oloya, Director of Agriculture, Environment and Forestry. The Deputy Executive Director, Stephen Wani Karlo, will serve as secretary. Other members include county finance staff, security officers from the National Security Service and the Criminal Investigation Department, an immigration representative, and the Paramount Chief, who will also represent the local judiciary. All Payam Executive Officers will take part in enforcement activities within their respective areas.
The main role of the committee is to enforce Local Order No. 04 of 2025, issued on 8 December 2025, which placed a complete ban on the export of charcoal from Magwi County to other countries. The county government says the ban is necessary to slow deforestation and ensure local communities benefit from natural resources.
Under its mandate, the committee will register all charcoal found along the Magwi to Pogee road. This includes charcoal that is loaded, stored, or found in forest areas, whether processed or unprocessed. The taskforce will also register all logs, timber, and beams discovered during its operations.
The committee will identify and register non nationals involved in the charcoal trade, as well as local residents suspected of supporting their activities. Power saw machines used for tree cutting will be identified, registered, and collected at county headquarters for investigation.
Another responsibility is to review logging permits issued by the State Anti Illegal Committee to confirm that they are being used for approved purposes and within legal limits.
Once investigations are completed, the committee will prepare a full report and submit it to the Executive Director for further action.
County officials say the taskforce follows the recent issue of two local orders banning charcoal export and the sale of tramadol. Together, these measures are intended to strengthen law enforcement, protect the environment, and improve accountability in resource management.
The committee is expected to begin work immediately, signalling a stronger approach to controlling illegal logging and charcoal trade in Magwi County.
Key responsibilities of the taskforce
| Area of focus | Action |
|---|---|
| Charcoal control | Register and stop illegal export |
| Logging oversight | Check permits and timber activities |
| Equipment control | Register and collect power saws |
| Security checks | Identify illegal operators |
| Reporting | Submit findings to county leadership |