Cameroon
Cameroon on Tuesday burnt more than six tons of ivory seized from poachers.
The exercise was a first in the central African country.
In all, some 2,000 elephant tusks weighing 3,510 tons and 1,753 art and craft weighing a total of 2,613 tons were burnt.
2,000 elephant tusks set on fire in Cameroon to show country’s commitment to fight poaching. https://t.co/6ec3J5zGWEhttps://t.co/mHS021B9zI
— ABC News (@ABC) April 20, 2016
“Cameroon has signed three cooperation agreements with neighboring states to stand together against cross-border poaching,” Minister in charge of wildlife, Ngole Philip Ngwese said.
It’s been said that more than 1,000 eco-guards have been deployed in the most exposed areas to poaching this year with some 2,000 weapons also seized.
The country stepped up the fight against poaching and ivory trafficking after a major massacre occurred in 2012.
African countries including Kenya often carry out public burning of seized tusks.
More than 30,000 elephants are killed annually in Africa.
00:53
Six arrested in connection with the murder of South African player Luke Fleurs
01:37
South Africa: Footballer and olympian Luke Fleurs killed in car hijacking
02:02
Cameroon: Football fans react to the controversy over appointment of new coach
00:51
Moscow attack: Russia arrests more attack plotters
01:46
Boxing: Francis Ngannou 'destroyed' by Anthony Joshua in two rounds
Go to video
Boxing: Britain's Anthony Joshua vs Cameroon's Francis Ngannou