By Garang Garang Adim
Effective law enforcement is fundamental to achieving sustainable development and environmental conservation. When laws are created but not enforced, their intended purpose is defeated, and the environment suffers consequences.
In South Sudan, this disconnects between legislation and implementation has become a significant obstacle to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices. The lack of enforcement not only undermines government efforts but also emboldens individuals and organizations to disregard regulations, leading to environmental degradation and long-term societal harm.
One notable example is the 2018 government order to ban the importation and use of plastic bags. This order was issued to curb pollution, protect water bodies, and promote environmentally friendly alternatives. However, despite the clear directive, the ban has largely remained ineffective. The reason for this failure is not lack of awareness but weak enforcement mechanisms and accountability gaps within the implementing agencies. The order’s success relies heavily on customs authorities, law enforcement agencies, and local government bodies working together to ensure compliance. But when these agencies do not act decisively or consistently, the law becomes merely a piece of paper rather than a tool for change.
Recently, on World Environment Day, the Minister of Environment and Forestry publicly acknowledged that the enforcement of laws and orders is inconsistent. She pointed fingers at customs officers, accusing them of bribery and failing to implement the plastic ban effectively. While it is important to hold individual officers accountable, this approach raises a broader question: who is ultimately responsible for ensuring that laws are enforced? The answer is complex but clear—responsibility lies with both the government officials tasked with enforcement and the leadership that sets policies and monitors their implementation.
The failure to enforce environmental laws in South Sudan reflects deeper issues within the governance and institutional frameworks. Often, laws are passed with good intentions, but without adequate resources, training, or political will, enforcement becomes a challenge. Corruption, lack of accountability, and limited capacity of law enforcement agencies exacerbate these issues. When customs officers or law enforcement agents are not held accountable for neglect or misconduct, the cycle of non-compliance will continues unchallenged, further damaging the environment and other development.
Furthermore, societal awareness and community participation are crucial in supporting enforcement efforts. When local communities are not engaged or informed about the importance of environmental laws, they are less likely to support or comply with regulations. The enforcement process requires a collaborative approach where government agencies, civil society, and citizens work together. Without this unity, enforcement remains superficial, and violations persist.
The consequences of weak enforcement are severe. Plastic pollution, illegal logging, unregulated mining, and improper waste disposal threaten the health of ecosystems and communities. Water sources become contaminated, wildlife habitats are destroyed, and soil quality deteriorates. These environmental damages directly impact public health, economic productivity, and the country’s overall development prospects.
Addressing these challenges requires clear accountability at every level of government. Leaders must prioritize the enforcement of environmental laws and allocate adequate resources, including training, personnel, and technological tools. Establishing monitoring mechanisms and strict penalties for violations can deter offenders and demonstrate that laws will be upheld. It is also essential to foster transparency and public participation—when communities understand the importance of environmental regulations and are involved in their enforcement, compliance naturally increases.
International organizations and partners also have a role to play by supporting capacity-building initiatives, providing technical assistance, and encouraging accountability. However, ultimately, the primary responsibility lies with South Sudan’s government—to create an environment where laws are respected, enforced, and serve their purpose of protecting the environment for current and future generations.
On the World Environment Day, the message is clear: putting an end to plastic pollution and by doing this laws and policies alone are not enough. Implementation and enforcement are the true measures of a country’s commitment to sustainability. South Sudan must recognize that responsibility does not rest solely on customs officers or enforcement agencies but on the collective will of its leadership and citizens. When laws are enforced consistently and transparently, environmental protection efforts will be more effective, leading to healthier ecosystems, improved livelihoods, and a sustainable future. The time to act is now—because protecting our environment is a shared responsibility that demands unwavering commitment from all levels of society.