Strengthening regional efforts against wildlife crime: A strategic discussion in Djibouti

24 August 2024 (DJIBOUTI, Djibouti): Today, Mr. Daher Elmi, Director of Agriculture and Environment, held an important meeting with representatives of TRAFFIC, Mr. Allan Mashalla and Mr. William Mallya, accompanied by Mr. Hassan Rayaleh from the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD). TRAFFIC is a long-standing technical partner of IGAD's Horn of Africa Wildlife Enforcement Network (HAWEN) and plays a critical role in our joint efforts to combat wildlife crime.

The meeting coincides with TRAFFIC's ongoing Trade in Wildlife Information eXchange (TWIX) training for Djiboutian law enforcement officials, including those from IGAD HAWEN. Representatives are in Djibouti to conduct an in-depth assessment of the illegal wildlife trade (IWT), which continues to pose a significant threat to the IGAD region.

Wildlife and forest crime poses a serious threat to economic and social development, security, governance and the environment in IGAD member states. These crimes are fuelled by a variety of factors, involve a complex network of actors and generate billions in profits for criminal enterprises. The recognition of wildlife crime as transnational organised crime underlines the need for joint, cross-border cooperation. No country can solve this problem alone – regional cooperation is essential.

The Eastern Africa-TWIX currently connects law enforcement officials from Kenya, Tanzania (including Zanzibar), Uganda, Djibouti and Ethiopia, facilitating collaboration and communication. This network improves the detection, analysis and monitoring of illegal wildlife trade across the region.

Today's discussions focused on expanding the capacity of IGAD HAWEN and exploring further opportunities to collaborate with TRAFFIC. HAWEN remains committed to promoting cooperation, governance and capacity building in the IGAD region to combat illegal and unsustainable trade in wildlife, flora and fauna.