Eviction of Mt Kei encroachers suspended

Local leaders and security in Koboko, together with the Ministry of Water and Environment, have resolved to suspend evictions of alleged encroachers of Mount Kei Central Forest Reserve for two weeks to allow for proper boundary clarification. Mount Kei Central Forest Reserve covers 406.89 square kilometres in Yumbe and Koboko districts. The forest stretches into some parts of South Sudan. For years, it has been a contested area between the government and more than 8,000 residents who are accused of encroaching on the forest.