The NGO Alerte congolaise pour l’environnement et les droits de l’homme (ACEDH) recently welcomed the sanctions imposed by the American State Department on certain Congolese civil servants. These penalties follow their alleged involvement in acts of corruption and illicit wildlife trafficking.
For ACEDH, this decision is a sign of hope that opens the way to justice for biodiversity, climate, protected areas and the fight against corruption. According to Me Olivier Ndoole, executive secretary of ACEDH, these political and diplomatic sanctions are a way to fight traffickers and corrupt people, whatever their situation.
ACEDH also calls for the establishment of in-depth investigations to shed light on this affair. Me Olivier Ndoole affirms that his organization is ready to support justice in this process.
This decision by the US State Department comes following the inclusion of Cosma Wilungula, former director general of the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN), as well as two of his collaborators, on the sanctions list. They are accused of abusing their position to promote the trafficking of protected wildlife species to China, including chimpanzees, gorillas and okapis.
This condemnation raises a crucial issue: illicit wildlife trafficking and corruption are scourges that threaten Congolese biodiversity and the climate. It is essential to pursue investigations and sanction all those responsible for these practices.
However, ACEDH would like these measures not to be limited to Congolese civil servants, but also to extend to other personalities in the sub-region who are accomplices or involved in illicit trafficking and the anarchic exploitation of protected areas.
In conclusion, the inclusion of certain Congolese officials on the US State Department’s sanctions list for their alleged involvement in acts of corruption and illicit wildlife trafficking is a step towards justice for biodiversity and the fight against against corruption. It is essential to carry out thorough investigations to account for these practices and to ensure that all those responsible, regardless of their position, are held accountable for their actions.