WWF mourns forest ranger murdered by poaching gang
A forest ranger has been killed and another seriously injured in a violent clash with gorilla poachers outside a national park in Cameroon, WWF has learned.
The attack occurred on September 27 about 10 kilometres from Cameroon’s border with Central African Republic.
David Greer, WWF’s African Great Ape Coordinator:
This brutal attack was a deliberate attempt to intimidate the government. Poaching gangs are waging a war for Cameroon’s forests and sending a message that they do not respect the law.
Rangers are putting on a uniform every day to protect their wildlife, their forests and ultimately, the wellbeing of their communities from individuals who seek only to commit criminal acts such as trafficking protected species.
These brave men are going into battle underequipped and often without proper training. Law enforcement efforts at all levels need to be dramatically scaled up, especially in the typically weak judicial systems.
That is where a criminal deterrent can be established that will not only save Africa’s dwindling wildlife, but will also protect its people from lawless violence such as this.
Achille, who leaves behind five children, is the first ranger to lose his life in the line of duty in this area in recent years. His killers are being pursued by authorities from both Cameroon and Central African Republic.
