DR Congo Rangers Detain 7 South Sudanese Hunters

(Ibba, South Sudan) – A tense cross-border incident has unfolded in Western Equatoria State’s Ibba County, where seven South Sudanese hunters were arrested and two others shot by park rangers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after allegedly crossing into Garamba National Park to hunt.

Ibba County Commissioner Wilson Tetela Hassan confirmed the events took place on Saturday, 15 June, near the border area between South Sudan’s Lantoto National Park and DRC’s Garamba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vulnerability to poaching and wildlife trafficking.

According to Commissioner Tetela, rangers from the DRC opened fire on the South Sudanese group after they were reportedly discovered hunting illegally inside the park. One man sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and another was hit in the lower abdomen. Both are now receiving medical care at Ibba County Hospital.

The fate of the remaining five individuals remains uncertain. “Five others are still missing, and search efforts are ongoing to locate them,” Tetela stated, emphasizing that no deaths have been reported.

Tetela issued a strong warning to residents near the borders of the DRC and the Central African Republic, urging them not to cross international boundaries without coordination. “My message to South Sudanese, especially those living near the borders, is to refrain from entering the territories of the DRC and the Central African Republic without proper coordination. Such movements often end in arrests or fatal encounters,” he cautioned.

In a related development, Brigadier Joseph Waure, Acting State Director of Wildlife in Western Equatoria, said local wildlife authorities are increasing efforts to combat poaching within South Sudan’s protected areas. The state is home to four national parks, including Lantoto.

On 9 June, two suspected poachers were arrested in Nzara County after being found responsible for killing nine animals. “The suspects are in custody and will be tried after a 14-day detention period,” Brigadier Waure confirmed.

Meanwhile, in another incident in Jebel Nduu, Nagero County, armed individuals believed to be poachers ambushed wildlife rangers, resulting in the death of one ranger. Authorities have not yet identified the attackers.

Brigadier Waure urged the public to respect wildlife laws and avoid engaging in illegal hunting or the wildlife trade. “Wildlife plays a vital role in the ecosystem and economy, and we urge all citizens to support protection efforts and report any suspicious activity,” he said.

As Reported by Radio Tamazuj