Kiir vows crackdown on poaching, eyes wildlife tourism boom

JUBA – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir on Tuesday warned wildlife traffickers and poachers of severe punishment, vowing to crack down on the illegal trade to protect the country’s rich animal population and develop a sustainable tourism industry.

“Let me declare, if any individual is found engaging in poaching or wildlife trafficking in South Sudan, he will face the full force of the law,” Kiir said during the launch of the country’s first-ever national wildlife census.

Kiir called on the Ministry of Wildlife and Conservation, along with partners, to prioritize training and equipping wildlife rangers to combat poaching and trafficking across the country.

“I call on the security sector, especially the ministry of wildlife and its partners to prioritize training and equipping wildlife wardens to combat poaching and wildlife trafficking and protect animals,” the president said.

A wildlife census revealed Tuesday that South Sudan is home to an estimated 5.8 million wildlife animals, presenting a potential goldmine for tourism according to the government.

“We are talking of wildlife worth millions of dollars and with this marketing, many tourists will pour into South Sudan,” said Vice President for the Economic Cluster, James Wani Igga.

However, both Kiir and Igga acknowledged the threats wildlife faces, with poaching for bushmeat and valuable animal parts identified as major concerns.

“Our wildlife is facing multiple threats including poaching,” Igga said, highlighting the need for public awareness campaigns to discourage bushmeat consumption.

He also called for improved training and welfare for wildlife rangers.

The government’s focus on wildlife conservation follows a recent warning from the Council of Ministers about the dangers of the bushmeat trade to animal populations.

“This is to inform the public that killing of wildlife is prohibited by law,” said Michael Makuei, Minister of Information and government spokesperson. “Those caught will be arrested and prosecuted for violating the law.”