Strengthening law enforcement capacity to combat wildlife crime in Mozambique

Mozambique plays a crucial role as a major transit point for ivory and rhino horn destined for Asia, making it a hotspot for transnational wildlife crime. Criminal networks operating within the country contribute significantly to poaching and trafficking activities in the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA), which spans Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The Wildlife Justice Commission, in partnership with Mozambique’s Serviço Nacional de Investigação Criminal (SERNIC), Mozambique’s mandated law enforcement agency to tackle serious organised crime, works to dismantle these transnational criminal syndicates through intelligence-led investigations, advocacy, joint operations and the critical training and mentoring of law enforcement personnel.

In early 2024, the Wildlife Justice Commission launched a series of training and mentoring programs. These initiatives were designed to strengthen Mozambican law enforcement agencies, particularly SERNIC, in their efforts to disrupt organized wildlife trafficking networks.

Strengthening SERNIC through training and mentoring with the support of two generous donors

With support from the Svenska PostkodLotteriet Stiftelse (Swedish Postcode Lottery Foundation), the Wildlife Justice Commission conducted training programmes designed to optimise the use of SERNIC’s Control Centre, a dedicated, secure and well-equipped space for intelligence analysts, which the Wildlife Justice Commission helped establish, to collect, analyse and store intelligence. The training and mentoring programmes focused on intelligence collection, analysis, investigative techniques and advanced intelligence work.

In addition, the UK Government’s Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund supported the Wildlife Justice Commission in conducting a “Train the Trainer” course for participants from Maputo, Sofala and Nampula provinces. This training provided SERNIC trainers with practical skills in intelligence analysis and proactive investigations, enabling them to effectively train other SERNIC officers. Following this course, SERNIC trainers conducted additional sessions in their respective provinces, focusing on practical skills, techniques and procedures to effectively conduct intelligence-led proactive investigations and operations consistent with Mozambican law and fundamental human rights principles. These courses also served to build the confidence of the newly trained trainers and provided them with the knowledge and skills to continue their important role of training other officers.

The mentoring of SERNIC officers included a combination of practical exercises conducted at key locations including ports and national parks. For example, informative sessions at Gorongosa National Park included presentations on wildlife trade and hands-on experiences with rescued wildlife. Mentors from the Wildlife Justice Commission, accompanied by SERNIC trainers, facilitated these visits to the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC). A total of 120 SERNIC officers were trained and mentored.

Notable successes and the way forward

Over the past five years, the Wildlife Justice Commission has built a strong partnership with SERNIC. Together, they play a critical role in disrupting transnational organised wildlife crime, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to protecting endangered species and conserving biodiversity in the region.

A major victory in the fight against wildlife crime in Mozambique came with the conviction of notorious poachers Simon Valoi, also known as “Navara” and Paulo Zucula, both arrested in July 2022 by SERNIC, with the support of the Wildlife Justice Commission. This success demonstrates the importance of collaboration, capacity building and a shared commitment to ending wildlife crime in Mozambique and beyond.

By continuing to train and mentor law enforcement agencies like SERNIC, building their investigative capacity, and promoting local leadership in wildlife protection, the Wildlife Justice Commission is helping to lay the foundation for long-term, sustainable solutions. Together, we are creating a future where Mozambique’s wildlife can thrive and those who threaten it are held to account.