At least two hunters and a member of the security forces were killed and several others injured during a clash on Friday in the Jonglei State capital, Bor, after security forces tried to intercept the hunters for illegally poaching.
Major Akech Mapiou, the state’s police spokesperson, told Radio Tamazuj that the incident is being investigated and that the injured, who are being treated at Bor Hospital, are being held as suspects.
“As part of the state’s resolution, no one is allowed to carry firearms. These poachers were carrying guns illegally, and the clashes occurred during a law enforcement operation,” he explained. “Two hunters and a member of security forces were killed. There were injuries, but I don’t have statistics.”
“We are investigating the incident. Those injured are being treated at the Bor State Hospital,” he added.
The police condemned the incident and called on citizens to be law-abiding.
Kenya Mach, a civil society activist, also condemned the incident and blamed it on the government’s lack of service delivery.
“While our wildlife must be protected, it should be equally noted that civilians are going hungry without salaries. Our government should prioritize service delivery to stop poaching,” he said. “These are not just poachers but fathers taking care of families and trying to make a living.”
Meanwhile, a Bor resident who identified himself only as John said the clashes could have been avoided if security forces tasked with wildlife conservation were adequately trained.
“The information I heard was that these hunters were shot at from behind after bypassing a checkpoint. Why kill a human for a dead animal? Will such killing bring the animals to life?” he asked, adding: “The security forces could have just apprehended the hunters. Secondly, government strategy should be stopping hunting itself, not targeting people after having killed animals. This is achievable by designating a safe wildlife zone and providing citizens with alternative livelihoods.”
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