American Efforts to Curb Congolese Wildlife Trafficking

On December 13th, the American Department of State imposed visa restrictions on eight potential wildlife traffickers from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Wildlife and timber trafficking has been an ongoing issue throughout West and Central Africa, with a major hub for international trade out of the DRC. Under section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), the eight travelers were denied American visas under suspicion of previously and/or currently being involved in illegal markets. An announcement by Department spokesperson, Ned Price, stated: “We are sending a clear message that wildlife and timber traffickers are not welcome in the United States.” Through joint efforts, the DRC government authorities, the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature, and the United States government have been working diligently to eradicate trafficking not only in Africa but throughout the globe. 

Products trafficked through these regions consist of ivory, rhino horn, pangolin scales and, endangered live animals, primarily directed towards the United States, Europe, and parts of Asia. Just last month, the United States arrested two wildlife traffickers entering the United States with $3.5 million worth of wildlife products, including great quantities of ivory. The Congolese government in the years of 2015-2019 confiscated over twenty tons of ivory and announced, due to the visible increase in trafficking efforts, they expect to reach up to sixty tons soon. 

Corruption and regional conflicts have placed wildlife and timber in a vulnerable state, with little local support or protection. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the Congolese government, as well as the governments of countries receiving these products, to restrict traffickers and confiscate their illegal goods. While these counter-prevention techniques are successful to an extent, there must be better systems in place to catch trafficking before they can remove native flora and fauna from their native homes. Endangered species such as elephants, rhinos, pangolin, and numerous big cats are being hunted to near extinction because of illegal wildlife trafficking. The Congolese government has vowed to work diligently to break down the growing international trafficking rings primarily directed out of the DRC. Nations on the receiving end of these black market products should consider subsidizing DRC’s efforts to bolster these anti-trafficking programs. 

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