Poaching: Govt kicks out 21 officials

By Fariji Msonsa ,Citizen Reporter

Posted  Thursday, January 9  2014 at  00:00

In Summary

Of the 21, said deputy minister, 11 are from anti-poaching team from Arusha, four from Lwafi-Rukwa Forest Reserve, three from Maswa Forest Reserve and two from Selous Game Reserve.

Dar es Salaam. Alarmed by the fast dwindling elephant population that has dropped from an estimated 109,000 in 2009 to around 70,000 in 2012, the government yesterday sacked 21 game warders whom it accuses of colluding with poachers to kill animals.

According to the Tanzania Elephant Protection Society, around 30 elephants are killed for their ivory every day, that is, around 11,000 each year, thanks to the thriving poachers’ network.

It is estimated that the country has lost half its elephant population since 2007 and it is being concluded that this animal could be extinct in just seven years. The move to sack the game warders comes just a few weeks after four Cabinet ministers were forced to resign because of mishandling an anti-poaching operation. Apart from being suspended, the deputy Minister for Tourism and natural resources Mr Lazaro Nyalandu said, the affected workers are now facing legal action for violating the code of conduct by collaborating with poachers.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Mr Nyalandu said the move of the employees comes in the wake of evidence gathered from the ministry’s internal investigations which have proven the involvement of the 21 in fueling poaching in the national parks and game reserves.

“The ministry will not hesitate to take action against any employee involved in retarding government’s efforts to eradicating poaching,” said the deputy minister.

Mr Nyalandu said that some staff in the ministry’s Wildlife Department have been involved in corruption, collaboration with poachers as well as facilitating the crime and hindering the government effort in its anti-poaching drive.

The ministry’s decision to suspend the 21 employees comes after the police force in collaboration with the ministry apprehended Mr Agostino Lori, 42, a game warden who had in his possession of two unlicensed guns and 12 flamingos in his backyard in Singida on Tuesday this week.

Of the 21, said deputy minister, 11 are from anti-poaching team from Arusha, four from Lwafi-Rukwa Forest Reserve, three from Maswa Forest Reserve and two from Selous Game Reserve.

At the same time, due to complexities that are emerging in the war against poaching, the minister said the government was considering the introduction of modern technology to save animal species that are in danger of disappearing.

Last month, a parliamentary select committee tabled an explosive report that led to the sacking of four Cabinet ministers. The report detailed gross human rights abuses by security forces and government officials during Operesheni Tokomeza Ujangili (Operation Eradicate Poaching) that was meant to stamp out the slaughter of elephants.

Mr Khamis Kagasheki (Natural Resources and Tourism), Mr David Mathayo (Livestock and Fisheries), Mr Emmanuel Nchimbi (Home Affairs) and Mr Shamsi Vuai Nahodha (Defence and National Service) were relieved of their duties following fierce debate in Parliament during which MPs from the ruling CCM and the Opposition closed ranks and demanded justice for victims of the operation.

The ministers were accused of failing to oversee the operation, which has since been suspended indefinitely amid claims of abuses, torture, extortion and murder.

But before the dust settled, mounting pressure faced Prime Minister Mizengo to also resign for failing to keep the conduct of ministers under his stewardship in check. Speaking to The Citizen by telephone last month from his Kibaoni home village in Mlele District, Katavi Region, where he was on holiday, on the calls for him to step down, Mr Pinda said he wanted some peace and quiet during the festive season after a tumultuous Parliament sitting, but promised he would discuss his way forward in due cou