A truck impounded for illegal logging in South Sudan on March 2021. | File photo/Courtesy

Authorities in Lirya Payam of Juba County have pardoned 72 illegal loggers who were arrested on Monday, October 23, 2023, on condition that they are subjected to a fine of 5 million South Sudanese pounds each and 50 strokes of the cane.

Local Executive Director Christopher Sebit said the administration carried out a major crusade operation inside Kibolo Forest in Ngangala area and arrested 72 people last month.

However, Sebit said he sympathized with the offenders and pardoned them but issued a strong warning against the wrongdoing.

“I captured 72 foreigners and nationals. it is very unfortunate that the majority are our people even women. There were about four women among the 72,” Sebit narrated.

“I got sympathetic with their condition and pardoned them in the order that they are supposed to be fined 5 million each and each is to receive 50 slashes.”

Mr. Sebit said all the loggers’ equipment and logging machinery must be confiscated.

Experts have partially blamed climate extremities in South Sudan on the widespread deforestation in parts of the country.