African Wildlife Defence Force

The African Wildlife Defense Force (AWDF), where only the bravest dedicate their lives to wildlife conservation. Established in 2012 by Jean Kiala-Inkisi, AWDF emerged from a critical need to protect Africa's wildlife from escalating threats such as poaching and armed conflict. After extensive field research in countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Kenya, and South Africa, Jean Kiala-Inkisi realized that traditional ranger organizations were not equipped to handle these challenges effectively. Thus, the AWDF was founded to provide elite, specialized ranger units to safeguard Africa's natural treasures.

In 2014, Jean Kiala-Inkisi undertook a hunger strike in Hollywood to draw attention to the cause and raise funds for the organization. Although the project faced financial challenges and had to be paused in 2019, it was revived in 2020 with a new focus. The AWDF shifted its recruitment to exclusively work with Batwa (Pygmies), who possess exceptional survival skills, loyalty, and cost-efficiency. This change was inspired by the model of the French Foreign Legion and the Nepalese Gurkhas, adapting it to wildlife protection. As of 2024, the AWDF has deployed 250 Batwa rangers in the border region of the DRC with the CAR and 250 in the Mayombe (Cabinda).

Mission & Vision

The AWDF is a non-profit organization committed to wildlife and forest conservation, focusing primarily on Central Africa. Our mission is to protect critical parks in areas plagued by conflict and poaching, particularly in the border regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Uganda, and the Central African Republic. We aim to expand our efforts across Africa, with future operations planned in Mozambique and Somalia. The AWDF operates independently of political, religious, or racial affiliations and is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of wildlife protection.

Featured Services
A Better Approach to Wildlife Conservation: AWDF offers a superior alternative to traditional ranger organizations, addressing issues such as inadequate equipment, insufficient training, and corruption. Our rangers are highly trained and equipped to handle the most dangerous situations, with rapid response units ready to deploy within ten minutes.
International Response Initiative: We assemble an international team of experts from various backgrounds, including former members of the French Foreign Legion. Our staff includes professionals from wildlife services, anti-poaching units, and diverse fields such as zoology, forensic studies, and engineering.
Highest Military Standard Training: AWDF rangers receive rigorous Legionnaire-style training to handle covert and complex missions. They maintain peak physical condition and are equipped to deal with extreme situations using advanced communication tools, medical equipment, and all-terrain vehicles.

Operational Units

  • Anti-Poaching Unit (APU): Focuses on reconnaissance, patrols, and anti-poaching operations. Teams conduct ambushes, game sightings, and suspect tracking.
  • Special Operations Task Force (SOTF): Comprises elite rangers trained in free-fall parachuting, underwater fighting, and mountain operations. They perform deep reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and sabotage missions.
  • Wildlife Crime Unit (WCU): Targets illegal wildlife trafficking, including ivory and rhino horn smuggling. Builds intelligence networks to combat major criminal organizations.
  • Wildlife Emergency Response Unit (WERU): Provides emergency veterinary care, disease screening, and population surveys. Equipped for fast-response treatment of distressed animals.
  • Airwing: Collaborates with local flight operators for surveillance, equipment deployment, and medical evacuations using leased aircraft.

Training & Recruitment
AWDF offers a comprehensive 17-week training program for Advanced Force Rangers (AFR) and Special Force Rangers (SFR), including military initiation, wildlife management, and specialized courses. Candidates must meet rigorous physical and educational standards. Training includes advanced techniques in wildlife capturing, drone operations, and parachuting, with further specialization in areas like K9 handling and air supply.

Services

  • Anti-Poaching Patrols
  • Armed Reaction
  • General Security
  • Camera and Surveillance
  • Animal Sanctuary
  • Game Farming
  • Wildlife Trading
  • Wildlife Management
  • Forest Management
  • Plantation Establishment
  • Community Development

Governance
The AWDF is governed by a board of directors, including founder Jean Kiala-Inkisi, and supported by a team of advisers with expertise in environmental science, law enforcement, and financial management. Our operational model ensures that 80% of revenue is directed towards conservation programs, with the remainder covering administrative and fundraising costs.