Following the incident, Ibba County Commissioner has warned South Sudanese to refrain from entering the territories of the DRC and the Central African Republic
Authorities in Ibba County have confirmed a cross-border incident in which two South Sudanese locals sustained gunshot wounds and five others went missing after allegedly crossing into the Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for hunting activities.
Speaking to the press, Ibba County Commissioner Wilson Tetela Hassan disclosed that the confrontation happened a few days ago when a group of seven local hunters got near the park, which borders Lantoto National Park in South Sudan. The group reportedly came under fire midway into the Congolese territory, resulting in injuries to two men; one shot in the leg and the other in the lower abdomen.
“The two injured persons have been admitted to Ibba County Hospital and are receiving medical attention. Efforts are ongoing to locate the five others whose whereabouts remain unknown” Commissioner Tetela confirmed.
The commissioner emphasized that although no deaths have been confirmed, search operations and diplomatic engagements are underway. He also cautioned residents against illegal cross-border movements, citing rising security concerns and strained relationship between local South Sudanese communities and Congolese park rangers.
“My message, especially to South Sudanese, is that they should refrain from entering the territories of the DRC and the Central African Republic. Cross-border movements without coordination often result in tragic outcomes, including arrests and gunfire,” Tetela warned.
Garamba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in northeastern DRC, shares a boundary with South Sudan’s Lantoto National Park. The region is a known flashpoint for cross-border wildlife trafficking, illegal poaching, and territorial misunderstandings.
According to conservation experts from African Parks Network, a key body that manages Garamba National Park in partnership with the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN), armed patrols are common due to persistent threats from poachers and militia groups. This often places civilians crossing the border illegally at risk of being mistaken for armed intruders.
In a 2023 report, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) warned of heightened tension and violent encounters in areas where national parks straddle unmonitored borders, especially in conflict-affected countries like South Sudan and DRC.
“There’s a need for a stronger link between our country and the DRC authorities to address cross-border activities such as wildlife hunting and security-related matters,” Commissioner Tetela added, calling for urgent bilateral engagement between Juba and Kinshasa.
Residents of Nabanga Payam, a community located near the boundary with Garamba have previously reported friction with Congolese rangers. Locals accuse the park authorities of using excessive force, while conservationists cite persistent incursions and illegal hunting by South Sudanese villagers.
“I understand the frustration of our people, but we must find legal ways to use our forests. These border skirmishes only bring more suffering,” said Frances Mboro, a resident of Nabanga.
Authorities in Ibba County are now working closely with state officials and the South Sudan Wildlife Service to trace the missing individuals and open communication channels with their counterparts in the DRC. By Emmanuel Mandella, The City Review
