The government of Eastern Equatoria state in South Sudan has banned foreigners from illegal mining and logging, citing significant security threats and the exploitation of natural resources.
The decision was made during the state Council of Ministers’ regular session on Thursday and announced by Information Minister Elia John Ahaji. It specifically targets foreigners and non-indigenous individuals operating in state forests without official permission.
“The government is surprisingly aware of the presence of the foreigners and the non-indigenous individuals in all the forests within the state,” Ahaji told reporters in Torit. “This illegal activity poses significant security threats to our communities.”
The resolution, numbered 23/2025, stipulates that no foreigner is permitted to conduct artisanal mining or any business in forests without authorization from relevant government institutions.
Non-indigenous South Sudanese may be allowed to engage in such activities only with prior official permission from local authorities, ensuring security measures are in place.
Ahaji stated that any individual found violating the ban will face legal consequences. The state government has urged county commissioners and security agencies to enforce the resolution to safeguard natural resources and maintain community security.
The move was welcomed by civil society groups, though they called for broader accountability.
Wodcan Saviour Lazarus, the executive director of the Support Peace Initiative Development Organization (SPIDO), described the ban as “overdue.” He called for a clear investigation into how foreigners are entering South Sudan and accessing remote forest areas.
“Ones can ask a question, how does these foreigners enter South Sudan, under whose invitation?” Lazarus said. “This warning should not be only for foreigners… it should be also to our own nationals who facilitated these activities.”
The ban highlights growing concerns in South Sudan over the illegal exploitation of minerals and timber, which often occurs with the alleged complicity of local officials.