August 24, 2024 (DJIBOUTI, Djibouti ): Today, Mr Daher Elmi, Director of Agriculture and Environment, held a significant meeting with representatives from 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 longstanding technical partner of IGAD’s Horn of Africa Wildlife Enforcement Network (HAWEN), playing a crucial role in our shared 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 crimes pose severe risks to economic and social development, security, governance, and the environment across IGAD member states. These crimes, fuelled by various factors, involve a complex network of actors and generate billions in profits for criminal enterprises. Recognising wildlife crime as a transnational organised crime underscores the need for joint, cross-border cooperation. No single country can address this issue alone—regional collaboration is essential.
The Eastern Africa-TWIX currently links law enforcement officers 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 across the region.
Discussions today focused on enhancing IGAD HAWEN’s capacity and exploring further opportunities for collaboration with TRAFFIC. HAWEN remains committed to fostering cooperation, governance, and capacity-building in the IGAD region to combat the illegal and unsustainable trade in wildlife flora and fauna.
