Africa vs Africa: Inside the latest challenge to ivory trade
Tuesday, October 04, 2022 | 2180 Views |
In the wild: Tourists on mekoro spot an elephant in the Delta. Hunting tourism and other activities PIC: MBONGENI MGUNI
The often-repeated allegations of expensive flights, fancy dinners, gifts and bribes paid by influential NGOs to African delegates in exchange for support against ivory trade proposals are resurfacing ahead of the key Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species summit. Staff Writer, MBONGENI MGUNI reports
News that four West African countries, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Mali and Senegal want the upcoming meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to essentially bar Botswana and her neighbours from exporting elephant products, has been met with bewilderment amongst Batswana.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...