Taking the path of responsibility: a talk with David Sharifu

For the latest edition of our newsletter, Upemba Post - Evolving with the Times, we had the honor of speaking with one of the UNP Rangers who joined the ranks in September 2024, and whose qualities quickly led him to distinguish himself. Born in 2000 in the village of Sengamali in the south of Maniema province, David Sharifu Mubanga is the second of 12 children and describes himself as follows: "I am patient, I adapt to change, I have analytical skills, I am single, I like meeting people, I like cultural and gastronomic diversity, I like football, I play sports, and I love God."

Here is how the conversation went:

Portrait by Gwenn Dubourthoumieu

Zebra: What inspired you to become a ranger? What specifically motivated you to join the Upemba National Park team?

David: In 2023, after completing my second university cycle in Law at the prestigious University of Lubumbashi, I chose conservation first to allow me gain new knowledge in addition to the legal science acquired at the university. But also, I wanted to serve in the world of conservation.

Zebra: When you started in 2024, what were your main expectations, and how have they evolved since then?

David: At first everything was unclear for me, but after setting foot in Upemba I quickly realized that I would like to take responsibilities and above all I would like to have the opportunity to serve this beloved Upemba beyond my limits. Currently I am following the same logic especially now that I currently play a particularly important role at the service of the park.

Zebra: What achievements are you most proud of so far in your career?

David: I am proud to have assumed the responsibilities of class leader with Promotion Zebra throughout our 3-month training period. I am also proud to have led the Alpha-1 section on all missions as team leader until June 2025. And finally, I am also proud to have acted as an intermediary between the men on the ground and the senior hierarchy of the park.

Zebra: From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges facing the park and its rangers today?

David: Managing to eliminate the threats to the park, including the presence of armed groups, poaching, illegal exploitation of resources, illegal fishing, agriculture and others, seems to be immense challenges for the park and the rangers.

Zebra: How would you describe Upemba to someone who has never visited?

David: I would say that Upemba is one of the old parks of the DRC created in 1939, Upemba is an astonishing beauty with a heavenly landscape thanks to the magnificent lakes, the hills that follow one another and the widely open areas to nourish one’s sight. Upemba is the wonderful gift God intended for all those who love nature and especially for those who want to take good care of it. Even the Congo Basin finds its part in Upemba and especially that Upemba is the heart of nature and a source of inspiration for all.

Zebra: What is one thing about the life of rangers that most people would be surprised to learn?

David: Most people know that the job of a ranger is risky and often carried out in socially difficult conditions, but perhaps some are unaware that it is a job that places us in the category of people who are absent from their families because, most of the time, a ranger is in the field and far from his loved ones.

From Evolving with the Times, Upemba Post - Ninth Edition.