Defence and security agents from five SADC countries signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance collaboration in curbing poaching and illegal trade in wildlife products in the region. Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe’s defence and security forces held a two day third multilateral meeting were it was resolved that other SADC countries should be invited to join the forum in a bid to intensify anti-poaching activities.
Major General Gotsileene Morake of the Botswana Defence Forces was representing Botswana at the forum. The signatories resolved that the member states should nominate representatives from national parks, police, and state security departments in their countries to formulate terms of reference with consultation with legal experts.
Countries were given up to November to submit nominees to sit on a sub-committee to be led by South Africa.
“Member states should strengthen collaboration and exchange of real intelligence on the movement of poachers and their modes of operation and movement of wild animals in order to enhance the fight against the scourge,” read part of the resolutions agreed by the forum.
Member states were also challenged to come up with strategies to combat the use of poisonous chemicals like cyanide used by poachers in killing wildlife.
