How SADC votes were 'stolen' at CITES

SADC states with significant ivory stockpiles will have to keep waiting PIC: THALEFANG CHARLES
SADC states with significant ivory stockpiles will have to keep waiting PIC: THALEFANG CHARLES

GENEVA: The US$600 million Western animal rights groups ‘industry’ is widely believed to have used its financial power to bribe ‘weak’ East and West African countries to vote against Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries’ proposal to start international trade in ivory.

The three elephant over-populated SADC countries, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe submitted a joint proposal to trade in thousands of tonnes of stockpiled ivory. But they were incredibly defeated by 101 (81%) no-votes, with only 22 votes (19%) supporting their proposal.  That vote 81% to 19% - that’s the smoking gun.

It suggests that animal rights groups had long rigged the votes that were cast last week at the UN Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES), in Geneva, Switzerland.

Editor's Comment
Happy Independence Day!

Independence Day holds immense significance for Batswana as a whole. It offers a moment for reflection and celebration of the country's achievements, while also prompting introspection.We must honestly assess whether the number of years of independence aligns with the progress we have made. While there is certainly much to celebrate, there are also pressing issues that require the attention of relevant stakeholders. Many Batswana are facing...

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