Tanzanian Officials Suspended over Poaching Claims

Tanzania’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism has suspended 21 Wildlife Department staff for allegedly colluding with poachers to kill elephants. Deputy Minister Lazaro Nyalandu told reporters that the suspended employees join their colleague in Singida Region, Augustino Lori, who was recently suspended over poaching and corruption allegations. He said investigations have shown that there are certain members of the ministry’s staff who were directly involved in wildlife sabotage acts in collaboration with criminals, warning that they would be exposed and charged in court.

The suspended staff include 11 from the Anti-Poaching Unit in Arusha, four from the Rukwa-Lwari Forest Reserve, one from the Anti-Poaching Unit in Bunda, three from Maswa Forest Reserve, one from Selous Forest Reserve and one from the Lukwika-Lumesule-Msanjesi Forest Reserve.

“The ministry won’t hesitate in dealing with employees who use their position to sabotage the country’s natural resources or anybody partnering with poachers to kill wild animals. Tougher measures are going to be taken against them without any delay,” he said.