Latest decisions of the Libreville court in matters (…) – Gabonews

2023-12-22 07:54:13

Latest decisions of the Libreville court on wildlife trafficking

December 21, 2023

The resumption of hearings in the country’s courts continues, notably with the conclusion of several cases relating to wildlife trafficking. These cases initiated by the Water and Forests administration, supported by the NGO Conservation Justice, were submitted to the courts where they were processed in accordance with the law. Dissuasive prison sentences were imposed on 12 wildlife traffickers for these cases of trafficking which do not fall within the context of the slaughter of elephants for the protection of property or people. Here is an overview of the cases handled:

1. Case of Public Ministry and MINEF against Mavoungou Mbouity Fabrice Verlance :

– Arrested on November 11, 2022 with two ivory points, he was convicted on December 15, 2023 for illegal hunting of a protected species and sentenced to 36 months in prison, therefore 18 months in prison and 18 months suspended, accompanied a fine of 2,950,000 CFA francs and damages for the Water and Forests administration.

2.Case of Public Ministry and MINEF against Bance Idrissa

– Apprehended on July 2, 2023 in Kango in possession of 4 ivory points, he was sentenced on December 15, 2023 to 1 year in prison and one year suspended, accompanied by a fine of 4,000,000 FCFA and damages and interests for the administration of Water and Forests.

3. Case of Public Ministry and MINEF against Bongho Mavoungou Sosthene

– Arrested on October 9, 2023, in Port-Gentil, with three ivory points, he was convicted on December 15, 2023, of illegal hunting of a protected species and sentenced to one year of suspended imprisonment, accompanied by a fine of 8,975,000 FCFA and damages for the Water and Forests administration.

4. Case of Public Ministry and MINEF against Adjendja Arsène and Rayimbi Jean Hugues

– After being arrested respectively on October 25 and 26, 2023 in Port-Gentil, in possession of 2 ivory points, the two individuals were found guilty of illegal possession of ivory and sentenced on December 15, 2023, to 14 months of imprisonment. prison sentence and 10 months suspended sentence, accompanied by a fine of 4,037,000 FCFA, with damages to be paid to the Water and Forests administration which amount to 1,000,000 FCFA for each. As a reminder, the two cities had been arrested by the DGR and Eaux et Forêts during an anti-poaching mission in Port-Gentil.

5. Case of Public Ministry and MINEF against Mahoutemoi Janvier Sylvestre, Abaya Ange, Ewelet Saturnin, Pambou Marcy Dorlant and Simazokou Saint-Fort

– Following an operation carried out on November 7, 2023 by the Booué Gendarmerie Brigade, the people involved in an illegal ivory transaction were sentenced on December 15, 2023, to 24 months of imprisonment, accompanied by a fine of 1,400,000 FCFA and damages for the Water and Forests administration.

6. Case of Public Ministry and MINEF against Madouma Christian and Mba Patrice

– Apprehended on June 23, 2022 in Lambaréné while trying to sell 13 ivory points and a panther skin, the defendants were found guilty of the offense of possessing the products of fully protected species at the hearing on November 3, 2023 They were sentenced to 16 months in prison accompanied by a fine of 18,247,500 FCFA each, in addition to damages to the Ministry of Water and Forests.

These cases recall the commitment of the Gabonese judicial authorities to the application of laws and the fight against all types of trafficking, including that of ivory, thus demonstrating the determination to protect Gabon’s wildlife. The new Gabonese government promotes local development and the protection of property and people from wildlife, in favor of local communities in the context of the human-wildlife conflict.

But the law remains uncompromising towards traffickers, particularly of ivory. It is therefore important to remember that the law provides that any elephant slaughter requires informing the authorities and in particular the Water and Forestry Department, in order to comply with the legislation in this area and avoid any possible sanctions.

DDK/CJ/MT