The facts alleged by the United States Department of State regarding the illegal trafficking of wildlife from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) raise many questions as to their veracity and their provenance.
According to the State Department, there have been reported illegal transfers of gorillas and chimpanzees, as well as okapi, from the DRC to China. However, it is important to point out that these allegations are based on non-transparent sources and that the available evidence is insufficient to support these accusations.
The Global Okapi Conservation Project (Okapi Conservation Project) and GRASP (Great Apes Survival Partnership) have found no evidence of such a transfer of wild species from the DRC to China. Moreover, Professor Augustin NGUMBI AMURI, Director-Coordinator of the CITES Management Authority in the DRC, who is accused in these allegations, firmly denies any involvement in this illegal activity.
It is disturbing to note that the sanctions imposed by the United States Department of State are based on unverified information and have not resulted in a thorough investigation or hearing of the parties concerned. It is essential to respect universal fundamental rights, such as the presumption of innocence and the right to human dignity, when dealing with such cases.
Professor Augustin NGUMBI AMURI is a respected and recognized expert in his management of CITES in the DRC. Under his leadership, reforms were undertaken to strengthen the protection of the DRC’s wild fauna and flora. He has also actively contributed to the arrest of many people involved in wildlife crime.
It is therefore necessary to carefully examine the evidence and carry out a thorough investigation before bringing charges and taking punitive measures