In his remarks, Governor Riek praised the Ministry of Wildlife for its dedication to safeguarding South Sudan’s natural heritage and stressed the urgent need to transform community attitudes toward conservation. He noted that poaching typically intensifies during the dry season as wildlife becomes more vulnerable.
“During our liberation struggle, we fought to own our resources. Today, wildlife is part of that wealth,” Governor Riek said. “Protecting it in Jonglei is vital, and your leadership is key.”
He also thanked African Parks for its continued partnership in strengthening wildlife management across the state, adding that the establishment of a new state wildlife landscape will elevate South Sudan’s global conservation profile and help secure endangered species for future generations.
Governor Riek further highlighted the recent peace agreements reached during the ICGS Workshop, saying the resolutions are expected to enhance wildlife protection and reduce insecurity in conservation zones.
For his part, Minister Denay congratulated the graduating officers and commended their courage and commitment to national service. He urged them to uphold human rights, enforce anti-poaching laws, and ensure citizens’ safety while protecting wildlife.
“We want our markets free from bush meat. The killing of animals must stop, and violators will face justice,” he warned.
The Minister called for stronger collaboration between wildlife forces, police, and other security agencies to curb wildlife crimes, emphasizing the need for peace and stability across Jonglei—including conflict-prone areas such as Hol and Ayuel.
African Parks Representative, Mr. Florington Aseervatham, also congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to maintain discipline and respect for human rights in their daily work. He commended the Ministry’s ongoing reforms and linked the achievement to the long-term conservation vision of the late Dr. John Garang De Mabior.
The newly trained officers will be deployed across Jonglei State to reinforce wildlife protection, strengthen law enforcement, and support community-based conservation programs.
Jonglei remains one of South Sudan’s poaching hotspots, with cases surging during the dry seasons. As rivers dry up and grazing lands shrink, wildlife becomes more exposed, making it easier for armed groups and subsistence hunters to target animals.
Local authorities say the state loses a significant portion of its wildlife population each year due to illegal hunting, bush-meat trading, and cross-border trafficking. Conservation experts warn that without stronger enforcement and increased community awareness, several species in the region may face continued decline—or even extinction.
