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, who were accompanied by Mr. Hassan Rayaleh from the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD). TRAFFIC has been 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. The representatives are in Djibouti to conduct an in-depth assessment of illegal wildlife trade (IWT), which remains a significant threat to the IGAD region.

Wildlife and forest crime pose serious risks to economic and social development, security, governance and the environment in IGAD member states. Fueled by multiple factors, these crimes involve a complex network of actors and generate billions in profits for criminal enterprises. The recognition of wildlife crime as a transnational organised crime underscores the need for joint, cross-border cooperation. No country can tackle 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 strengthens the detection, analysis and monitoring of illegal wildlife trade in the region.

Today’s discussions focused on enhancing the capacity of IGAD HAWEN and exploring further opportunities for collaboration with TRAFFIC. HAWEN remains committed to promoting collaboration, governance and capacity building in the IGAD region to combat illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade.