The Chief Administrator of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), Gola Boyoi Gola, has raised serious concerns about the activities of over 50 illegal Ethiopian mining companies operating in the Raad area of Jebel Boma County.
These companies, according to Gola, have encroached approximately 15 kilometers into South Sudanese territory, posing grave threats to the environment and local communities.
Gola criticized the national government for its inaction despite numerous appeals. He urged the authorities to prioritize the region’s gold reserves as a means of diversifying South Sudan’s economy. “If our government focuses on this area, we could significantly boost our economy instead of relying solely on oil,” he stated. “Right now, we are letting foreigners steal our resources in plain sight.”
Highlighting the broader implications of the illegal operations, Gola emphasized that this issue transcends local boundaries, calling it a national crisis.
“This is not just about Greater Pibor or the people of Raad and Boma. It is a national threat that demands urgent intervention to stop these illegal activities and safeguard our resources.”
The environmental consequences of the illegal mining activities have also been devastating. Gola revealed that the use of mercury in gold extraction has severely polluted the Akobo River, leading to fatalities among residents, fish, and wildlife.
He called for swift government action to prevent further harm and protect the nation’s wealth and environment.
