MEDIA STATEMENT: THE USE OF MILITARY AND SECURITY PERSONNEL AND TACTICS IN THE TRAINING OF AFRICAS RANGERS

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 The issue:

Leading counter-poaching operations and maintaining the territorial integrity of protected areas has always been part and parcel of a ranger's responsibilities. It is not something new. Military personnel, military veterans and security contractors from beyond Africa's borders are becoming increasingly involved in ranger training across our continent. Intentions in some instances may be noble but there are mounting concerns that need to be noted by the ranger community in Africa.

Areas of concern:

1. Lack of co-ordination amongst role-players - Foreign military personnel, military veterans and security contractors are currently operating in Africa and training rangers. This is often not done in consultation with those already based on the ground who are aware of the context, needs and complexities of the areas of operation. Groups are operating in isolation to each other leading to a fragmented approach.

2. Lack of understanding of the operating environment - Foreign military personnel, military veterans and security contractors generally have little or no understanding of the African bush and thus the environment in which rangers operate. Conducting anti-poaching operations is a specialist skill set that relies first and foremost on sound knowledge and understanding of the bush and the ability to interpret its signs. Being comfortable working in areas with dangerous game under harsh conditions is the foundation of being a good ranger. This is not something that will be learnt from those from beyond Africa's borders but rather from experienced African rangers themselves. Rangers also need to operate with ecological sensitivity in mind. This is a foreign concept to many soldiers and security contractors.