President Kiir Urges Poachers to Refrain from Hunting or Face Full Force of the Law

By Fuli Dickens Isaac

President Salva Kiir Mayardit of the Republic of South Sudan issued a stern warning to poachers, urging all citizens to protect wildlife conservation in the region during an event at Badingilo, Boma National Parks, and Jonglei landscape. The announcement follows the results of a General Survey and Census of Seasonal Wildlife Migration in the area.

President Kiir emphasized the importance of wildlife conservation, highlighting that South Sudan boasts the largest wildlife population in the world, totaling 5.8 million compared to other countries. He urged citizens to invest in wildlife as a means of generating revenue through tourism, directing security agencies and wildlife officers to undergo training on combating trafficking and poaching.

Vice President for Economic Cluster, Dr. James Wani Igga, sees the survey results as an opportunity to market South Sudan’s wildlife tourism industry globally and called on citizens to cease poaching in order to safeguard wildlife spaces and boost economic stability through tourism.

National Minister for Wildlife Conservation and Tourism, Hon. Rizik Zakaria Hassan, stressed the need to protect wildlife migration to promote the tourism industry in South Sudan. The government, through the African Parks South Sudan Network, is committed to conducting surveys in all national parks to identify key wildlife habitats for attracting tourists.

Minister Zakaria revealed that investors failing to protect wildlife conservation are being penalized, citing recent terminations for negligence in safeguarding wildlife migration in key areas. The event organized by the National Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism brought together stakeholders, government officials, and investors to explore opportunities for investment in South Sudan’s wildlife sector.