Meeting between the Governor of Haut-Uele Province and customary chiefs in Isiro in September 2024
On Monday, September 9, 2024, in Isiro, a crucial meeting took place between the Governor of Haut-Uele Province, Jean Bakomito Gambu, a delegation from the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (RFO) and the customary chiefs of the Wamba territory. The objective of this meeting was to discuss the clarification and delimitation of the RFO boundaries, to strengthen its visibility and to put in place concrete projects for the well-being of local populations.
This tripartite exchange, initiated by the RFO officials and the customary chiefs of Wamba, highlighted the challenges facing the reserve. Emmanuel Balemba, Deputy Conservator of the RFO, highlighted the persistent threats such as armed poaching, illegal mining and deforestation. He highlighted the importance of raising awareness among local communities and called for increased support from the provincial executive to overcome these challenges.
During his speech, Emmanuel Balemba stressed the need to involve customary chiefs in the protection of the reserve and in the implementation of ongoing projects, including the capture of okapis, an emblematic species of the RFO. He expressed his gratitude to the governor for his enthusiasm and commitment to preserving the reserve.
The customary chiefs present, such as Chief Alexandre Apibo Mejeje of the Maha chiefdom, expressed their satisfaction with the governor’s warm welcome and the solutions proposed during the meeting. They praised his attentive listening and his commitment to addressing the concerns of local communities.
This meeting highlighted the importance of collaboration between provincial authorities, reserve officials and customary chiefs to address the environmental and social challenges facing the RFO. She stressed the need for concerted action and increased support to ensure the protection of the reserve and the well-being of local populations.
In conclusion, the meeting between the Governor of Haut-Uele Province, RFO officials and Wamba customary chiefs marked an important step in promoting the conservation of the region’s fauna and flora. It reaffirmed the commitment of local stakeholders to work together to preserve this unique ecosystem and ensure a sustainable future for future generations.