Malawi govt burns 3 tonnes of ivory, putting to ashes K5 billion

Malawi government has finally burned 781 pieces of ivory weighing 2.6 metric tonnes amid resistance from the governments of Malawi and Tanzania who argue the K5 billion worth of tusks could have been sold to a legal market.

Kumchedwa (insert): Malawi set fire to stockpiles of ivory as demanded by court to help tackle illegal trade and curb elephant poaching
Kumchedwa (insert): Malawi set fire to stockpiles of ivory as demanded by court to help tackle illegal trade and curb elephant poaching

However on Friday, High Court Judge in Mzuzu, Dingiswayo Madise ruled that the ivory be burnt because the law says such commodities should be destroyed after being used as exhibit in court.

On Monday therefore all roads led to Mzuzu wildlife sanctuary where representatives from police, department of wildlife, National Audit, US embassy and international observers witnessed the ivory putting up in flames after a rigorus counting of each and every piece to ensure all 781 pieces of the white beautiful ivory were burned.

The burning of the ivory also put to rest a lengthy legal battle between the governments of Malawi and Tanzania against the burning although the legal battles were fought differently and on different dates though on the same battle ground, the High Court in Mzuzu.

Director of Wildlife Brighton Kunchedwa said the burning of the ivory is a clear indication that Malawi is committed to fighting piracy and protecting the wildlife.

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mjiba
mjiba
8 years ago

Somebody school me on CITES and what could have happened if we had utilised all the channels of CITES to have a. The ivory declared legal for scientific sale to museums, scientific institutions or institutions of higher learning. WHY Malawi staring in the face of serious economic problems should not throw Loxodonta Africana to waste like this. Wildlife Management inde ndibwino nthawi zina kutsatira what ideologically is correct but practically try to advise government on implementable and productive approaches to curbing wildlife crimes.

John
John
8 years ago

That’s why we are still poor. Setting good example by burning money? Why not burn half of it and sell the other?

Charlie Hebdo
Charlie Hebdo
8 years ago

Bongololo must be daft. Somebody tries to school him about the legality of ivory trade instead of trying to find out more about this trade he is quick to expose his ignorance for all to see. There is no legal market for ivory much the same their is none for narcotics or harmful drugs. If we were to sell the ivory we were going to sell it to some underworld or criminal market. Is that what we want to be associated with as a nation? No nation indulges itself in some criminal business unless it is ruled by some drug… Read more »

Kujo Ndelemani
Kujo Ndelemani
8 years ago

Sell the ashes

Kamuzu Mbewe
Kamuzu Mbewe
8 years ago

A Malawi kuzolowera kusauka ndi kupempha a zungu basi. The government was scared if it raised its own money, azungu asiya kuwathandiza

unenesko Nguwemi
unenesko Nguwemi
8 years ago

The job well done

2016 welcome
2016 welcome
8 years ago

Come on! Malawians, why parading stupidity built on moral deficiency. I don’t support DPP government but the decision to burn ivory is noble. Why do people want to sound to have no cherish on national treasures and heritage? Selling the ivory is tantamount to giving a node to poaching. Burning of the ivory is a clear demonstration of philosophical war against the vice. How different is condoning illegal ivory trade from diabolical trade of human body parts? Wealth without morality is useless. Get a life!

A. Attavar
A. Attavar
8 years ago

It’s a shame we couldn’t put China on the bonfire and burn their vociferous desire for animal parts to ashes too. These vile bastards are not just responsible for decimating elephants but tigers and other animals too. The world especially animals are better off without them!

mugasa chairman
mugasa chairman
8 years ago

ub 30, what does ushes mean?

uncle b
uncle b
8 years ago

whether there is black or white market but the question is why burn ivory worth k5b into ushes ziganizo zina mudziyamba mwafunsa musadachite kodi mukuona ngat mukamakhuta mumaganiza ngati aliyense wadya osakagula chimanga bwanji njala yavutayi aaaaaaaa poor malawi in her thoughts but having so many resources shame on you

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