Destruction of South Sudan’s Lela Bul forest is worrying. Ugandans are blamed.

Magwi County officials inspect Lela Bul area of Owiny-Ki Bul boma. Picture by Chanwat Edward / 27 March 2018.

South Sudan’s Lela Bul forest found in Magwi County may disappear, if illegal cutting down of tress continue. Local authorities are well aware of the lumbering, taking place. They suspect the timber is taken out of the country under the cover of darkness. Smugglers come from Uganda; according to the local authorities. They are perplexed how non-national individuals could be so successful in ‘stealing their natural resources.’

Chanwat Edward is in South Sudan’s Magwi County for us: