The local authorities in Western Equatoria State’s Ibba County have confirmed a cross-border incident in which seven South Sudanese hunters were arrested, and two were shot and injured after allegedly crossing into Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to hunt.
Ibba County Commissioner Wilson Tetela Hassan told Radio Tamazuj that the incident happened last Saturday, 15th June, when a group of hunters from his jurisdiction crossed into DRC near the Lantoto-Garamba National Park border.
According to Tetela, DRC park rangers opened fire on the group, injuring two men, one in the leg and the other in the lower abdomen. He said the injured individuals are receiving treatment at Ibba County Hospital.
“Five others remain unaccounted for, and a search operation is underway to determine their whereabouts,” Commissioner Tetela said, noting that no fatalities have been reported so far.
He strongly warned residents against illegally crossing the border, citing growing security risks and strained relations between local communities and DRC authorities.
“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,” he advised. “Such movements often end in arrests or fatal encounters.”
Garamba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northeastern DRC, borders South Sudan’s Lantoto National Park and is frequently reported as a hotspot for illegal poaching and cross-border wildlife trafficking.
Relatedly, Brigadier Joseph Waure, Acting State Director of Wildlife in Western Equatoria, said that the Wildlife Directorate is actively working to curb poaching in the state, which is home to four protected national parks.
He confirmed that two suspected poachers were arrested in Nzara County on 9 June for killing nine animals. “The suspects are currently in custody and will face trial after 14 days,” he said.
In a separate incident, armed poachers reportedly ambushed rangers in Jebel Nduu, Nagero County, resulting in the death of one wildlife ranger. The identity of the attackers remains unknown.
Brigadier Waure appealed to the public to respect wildlife conservation laws and avoid engaging in illegal hunting and 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 emphasized.