The Kajo-Keji County Administration has clarified that a recent clearance document circulating on social media does not indicate the local government approval of illegal charcoal trade.
The clarification comes in response to public concern over a document dated July 30, 2025, which authorized the passage of a truck carrying what was described as “old charcoal” across the Mijale border into Uganda.
According to the Office of the Commissioner, the clearance was issued as part of an internal security resolution aimed at delivering essential supplies specifically food and fuel to South Sudanese troops stationed in Nyainga-Muda, who had reportedly run out of supplies by July 31.
“The truck in question had already crossed the Mijale Ugandan border and could not be returned to South Sudan,” the statement read.
The clearance was granted under exceptional circumstances and should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of illegal logging or charcoal trade.
The county administration reiterated its commitment to environmental protection and enforcement of anti-logging regulations. Officials stressed that Kajo-Keji has taken firm steps to halt and silence illegal logging and lumbering activities in the region.
“We call on the public and all stakeholders to continue supporting our ongoing efforts to safeguard the environment and uphold the rule of law,” the statement added.
The clarification comes as part of broader efforts by the county government to distance itself from illicit charcoal operations that have fueled environmental degradation across parts of Central Equatoria.
