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4 Men Charged With Smuggling Thousands of Ants

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4 Men Charged With Smuggling Thousands of Ants

Introduction to Wildlife Smuggling

The recent case of four men pleading guilty to trafficking thousands of live ants in a Kenyan court has shed light on a growing trend in wildlife smuggling. The men, including two Belgian teenagers, were found with thousands of live queen ants packed in syringes and test tubes, worth around $7,000. The ants were intended to be sold as pets in exotic markets in Europe and Asia.

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The Case Unfolds

The Belgians, David Lornoy and Seppe Lodewijckx, both 19, were arrested at a guesthouse near Lake Naivasha, a popular nature area in Kenya. The Kenya Wildlife Service found that the ants were packed in specially designed test tubes and syringes to keep them alive for months. The court stated that the ants were destined for exotic pet markets, where they are highly valued by rare insect collectors.

The Value of Smaller Species

The case highlights a growing global threat: the biopiracy of native species. The unauthorized collection of the ants not only undermines Kenya’s sovereign rights over its biodiversity but also deprives local communities and research institutions of potential ecological and economical benefits. Live beetles have been found hidden in snack packs from Japan, and live bits of coral are increasingly being secreted through U.S. ports, demonstrating that there is money to be made in smuggling smaller, lesser-known species.

The Species in Question

The queen ants that the men pleaded guilty to smuggling are highly valued by rare insect collectors, who often keep colonies of the ants in formicariums, or artificial ant farms. The species they were collecting, the Messor cephalotes native to Kenya, is the largest harvester ant in the world. These ants are prized for their complex colonies and tunnel systems, making them a sought-after species among collectors.

Other Arrests and Charges

Two other men, Dennis N’gang’a of Kenya and Duh Hung Nguyen, a Vietnamese citizen, were also charged with illegally collecting ants and dealing in live wildlife species. They were found with hundreds of live garden ants, worth around $1,500. The Kenya Wildlife Service released photos of a living room littered with test tubes, cotton swabs, and packing materials, demonstrating the elaborate methods used to smuggle the ants.

The Consequences

In a court appearance, Mr. Lornoy and Mr. Lodewijckx appeared distraught and claimed they had been collecting the ants for fun. They pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting native species and the consequences of wildlife smuggling.

Conclusion

The case of the four men pleading guilty to trafficking live ants in Kenya highlights the growing trend of biopiracy and the importance of protecting native species. The unauthorized collection of these ants not only undermines Kenya’s sovereignty but also deprives local communities of potential benefits. As the demand for exotic pets and species continues to grow, it is essential to address the issue of wildlife smuggling and protect the world’s biodiversity.

Africa

Aliou Cisse aims to restore Libya’s fortunes.

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Aliou Cisse aims to restore Libya’s fortunes.

Building Success: Aliou Cisse’s Mission in Libya

Introduction

Despite reports that he joined as one of the best-paid international coaches in Africa, Cisse insists he is not a hired gun, but someone who can lay the foundations for success.

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In Senegal, he spent a decade shaping a generation that would go on to secure the country’s first senior continental title.

He hopes to have a similar impact in Libya after agreeing an initial two-year deal.

“This country is full of talent and potential,” he said. “My job is to put Libyan football in the place it deserves.

“I am a man of a project, a builder of generations. In Senegal I had a fruitful 10-year project.

“I’m full of passion and confidence that I will repeat the same thing here.”

Challenges in Libyan Football

Libya have not qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) since 2012 and Cisse has already seen several aspects which can be improved.

“The players possess undeniable technical skills and there’s an abundance of raw talent,” he said.

“What’s lacking, however, is experience and improved game management.

“Talent alone isn’t enough at the African level – we need more commitment, fighting spirit, confidence and discipline to reach our goals.”

Areas for Improvement

  • Enhancing game management skills
  • Building experience among players
  • Fostering commitment, fighting spirit, confidence, and discipline

Conclusion

Aliou Cisse’s mission in Libya goes beyond just coaching a team – it’s about building a legacy of success and nurturing the talents of the future. With his track record in Senegal, there’s no doubt that he has the passion and determination to elevate Libyan football to new heights. Through hard work, dedication, and a focus on key areas for improvement, Cisse aims to turn the tide for Libyan football and lead the national team to glory once again.

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Africa

Report of Child’s Rape Sparks Outrage in South Africa

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Report of Child’s Rape Sparks Outrage in South Africa

The Protesters Demand Justice for Cwecwe: A Fight Against Sexual Violence in South Africa

The Outrage in Matatiele

Protesters in the small town of Matatiele, South Africa, are demanding justice for a 7-year-old girl known as Cwecwe, who was allegedly raped at Bergview College. The community is in uproar following videos posted online by the girl’s mother, Thandekile Mtshizana, detailing the assault.

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A Culture of Shame and Silence

  • Demonstrators are calling for the closure of the school and threatening to burn it down.
  • The case has ignited a national conversation about sexual violence in South Africa.
  • Women’s rights activists criticize the government’s response to such crimes.

The Fight for Justice

Thapelo Monareng, a protester in Matatiele, expressed the community’s frustration, stating, “Enough is enough.” The police investigation into the case is ongoing but has faced challenges.

A National Crisis

South Africa has a high rate of reported rape cases, with many going unsolved. The Cwecwe case has brought attention to the need for systemic change in addressing gender-based violence.

Standing Up Against Injustice

Thabang Kuali, a traditional leader in Matatiele, hopes that Cwecwe’s case will shift societal attitudes towards violence against women. The community’s response to the incident has been unprecedented.

Seeking Accountability

  • Bergview College officials have not commented on the allegations.
  • Cwecwe’s mother remains determined to seek justice for her daughter.
  • The case has prompted calls for government action on sexual violence.

A Mother’s Fight

Thandekile Mtshizana, a police officer, has been vocal about her daughter’s ordeal. She recalls her own experience with rape and is determined to ensure a different outcome for her child.

Empowering Voices

By sharing her story, Mrs. Mtshizana aims to empower other survivors and hold perpetrators accountable. Her bravery has inspired a movement for change.

Hope for the Future

Despite the trauma, Cwecwe’s family remains hopeful for her recovery. They continue to advocate for justice and stand in solidarity with other survivors of sexual violence.

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Africa

Charity connected to Prince Harry acknowledges human rights violations in Congo-Brazzaville.

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Charity connected to Prince Harry acknowledges human rights violations in Congo-Brazzaville.

Prince Harry-Linked Conservation Charity Admits Human Rights Abuses in Congo-Brazzaville

Introduction

A major conservation charity linked to Prince Harry has admitted that human rights abuses were committed by its rangers in Congo-Brazzaville, following an independent review into allegations made by members of the Baka community against African Parks rangers.

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Allegations of Abuse

  • In a report published last year by the British newspaper the Mail on Sunday, community members accused African Parks rangers of beating, waterboarding and raping locals to stop them from accessing their ancestral forests, which are now in a conservation area.
  • Despite commissioning an independent review, African Parks has not made the findings public, only acknowledging that human rights abuses occurred in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park.

Independent Review

The review, carried out by Omnia Strategy LLP, a London-based law firm, was handed directly to African Parks. In a statement, Omnia said it has been investigating the alleged abuse in Odzala-Kokoua since December 2023.

Findings and Recommendations

  • The findings and recommendations of the review were sent directly to African Parks and have not been made public.
  • The BBC reached out to Omnia and Doughty Street Chambers for comment but they declined to provide additional information.

Response from African Parks

African Parks stated that it has improved its safeguarding processes in the past five years and has put in place additional measures to support the Baka communities.

Prince Harry’s Involvement

Prince Harry sits on the board of African Parks and has been involved with the charity since 2016. The BBC has requested comment from Prince Harry regarding the allegations.

Criticism from Survival International

The charity Survival International criticized African Park’s decision not to make the findings public and stated that previous approaches have not prevented abuses in the past.

Conclusion

African Parks, one of Africa’s largest conservation charities, manages protected areas in 13 African countries. The charity’s funders include high-profile donors such as the European Union and prominent individuals.

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