1st Semester report 2024
Achievements were recorded in LAGA's collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife (MINFOF) despite several challenges posed over this period. These achievements were obtained in the fields of investigation, arrest, prosecution, media exposure, government relations and international activities. Focus was on the fight against the illegal wildlife trade in apes.
The EAGLE Central Coordination Unit collaborated very closely with the investigations ensuring vital support that enabled the arrest of 3 traffickers.
3 traffickers were arrested and with one of them staying behind bars from the day of arrest for up to 7 days. This is a poor result and several efforts are being made to improve on the situation.
No new cases were brought to the court within the period because the two ape traffickers who were arrested in April "escaped" from gendarmerie custody. The search for them to be rearrested continues and no charges have been filed yet. The third suspect is still under investigation and has not been charged. 3 traffickers were found guilty and 2 traffickers given prison sentences and ordered to pay fines and damages. A mandrill trafficker was given 4 months' jail term in what was the stiffest court ruling the period but equally a very disappointing and weak punishment. In total, the courts ordered the payment of damages totalling 7,040 000mFCFA (about $14,080) to MINFOF.
Media exposure was at a rate of a media piece for every three days.
