Nearly two tons of illegal bushmeat seized in fresh crackdown

2026-03-29 - 09:55

Wildlife protection forces have seized nearly two tons of illegal bushmeat in a fresh crackdown on wildlife trafficking in Jonglei State, with authorities linking the shipment to a vehicle belonging to an organized force. Director General in the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism, Khamis Adieng Ding, said the meat was being transported in vehicles belonging to an organized force and was en route from Jonglei State to Juba. “We are currently completing the necessary procedures and referring the case to the Public Prosecutor’s Office,” he said, adding that legal action will follow. Ding said delays in handling such cases remain a concern, citing gaps in procedures between initial reporting, prosecution, and court processes. “There are courts to punish those who violate the law, and we always refer cases to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. However, there seems to be delays in referring cases to the courts,” he said. “We believe there is negligence in the procedures from the initial filing of the report through its transfer to the Public Prosecutor’s Office and finally to the court.” The seizure follows a similar incident earlier this week in Juba, where authorities intercepted two vehicles transporting illegal bushmeat from Jonglei. According to operation commander John Adio, two women suspected of transporting the meat from Bor Town were arrested. He said protecting wildlife requires coordinated efforts among security agencies, including the police and the army, to strengthen enforcement. Meanwhile, Assistant Director for Administration and Finance in the ministry, Martin Ring, urged the public to reduce the killing of wild animals, warning that excessive hunting for commercial purposes threatens biodiversity and the country’s natural heritage. Authorities said individuals found guilty of offenses such as poaching, trafficking, or possession of wildlife products could face up to two years in prison, along with fines. Under the Wildlife Conservation and Protected Areas Bill 2026, recently passed by parliament and signed by the president, killing or poaching wildlife for any purpose—whether for consumption or trade—is prohibited. This month, wildlife authorities arrested several suspects and impounded a government vehicle transporting more than 700 kilograms of bushmeat in a separate incident.