D'ÉVALUATION SUR LE AU MAL UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING FIELD ASSESSMENT REPORT

FEBRUARY 2020

i

This document was made possible by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change (WA BiCC) program. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of its authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

For more information on the West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change program, contact:

USAID/West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change Tetra Tech 2nd Labone Link, North Labone Accra, Tel: +233(0)302 788 600 Email: www.tetratech.com/intdev Website: www.wabicc.org

Stephen Kelleher Chief of Party Accra, Ghana Tel: + 233 (0) 302 788 600 Email: [email protected]

Vaneska Litz Project Manager Burlington, Vermont Tel.: +1 802 495 0577 Email: [email protected]

Citation: Ministry of Environment, Urban Sanitation and Sustainable Development, 2020. Understanding Threats to West African Biodiversity and Linkages to Wildlife Trafficking: Mali Field Assessment Report. Edited by Balinga M. and Stroud A. in 2020.

Cover photo: West African slender-snouted crocodile. Credit: Frank Cornelissen

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI i TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... II ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... IV ACRONYMS ...... V 1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON MALI ...... 1 1.2 CITES TRADE CONTEXT ...... 2 1.3 METHODOLOGY AND SCOPE OF THE ASSESSMENT: ...... 7 2.0 ASSESSMENT OF WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING AT MARKETS AND ENTRY POINTS...... 8 2.1 MARKET ...... 8 2.2 CUSTOMS DIRECTORATE ...... 9 2.3 AIRPORT...... 9 2.4 KOURÉMALÉ - LAND BORDER CROSSING POST WITH ...... 11 2.5 HÉRÉMAKONO – BORDER CROSSING POINT WITH ...... 13 2.6 CUSTOMS AT HÉRÉMAKONO ...... 14 2.7 OTHER SITE VISITS ...... 15 2.7.1 Interpol ...... 15 2.7.2 Water and Forests ...... 16 2.7.3 Scientific Authority ...... 16 2.7.4 Development of Wildlife Reserves, Water and Forests ...... 17 3.0 OVERVIEW OF WILDLIFE ...... 18 3.1 PROACTIVE ENFORCEMENT AS DETERRENT TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING ...... 18 3.1.1 Enforcement Priority ...... 18 3.1.2 Serious Crime ...... 18 3.1.3 National Enforcement Strategy ...... 18 3.1.4 National Cooperation ...... 19 3.1.5 International Cooperation ...... 19 3.1.6 Strategic Risk Management ...... 19 3.1.7 Proactive Investigations ...... 20 3.1.8 Staffing, Recruitment and Law Enforcement Training ...... 20 3.2 DETECTION OF WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ...... 21 3.2.1 Targeted Enforcement Presence ...... 21 3.2.2 Joint Supportive Operations ...... 21 3.2.3 Border Control Staff ...... 22 3.2.4 Border Control Equipment ...... 22 3.2.5 Inspection and Seizure Powers ...... 22 3.2.6 Disposal of Confiscated Wildlife Specimens ...... 22 3.3 WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED USING AN INTELLIGENCE-LED APPROACH ...... 23 3.3.1 Investigative Capacity ...... 23 3.3.2 Information Management ...... 23 3.3.3 Intelligence Analysis ...... 24 3.3.4 Intelligence-Led Investigations ...... 24 3.3.5 Follow-Up Investigations ...... 24 3.4 SPECIALIZED INVESTIGATIVE TECHNIQUES USED TO COMBAT WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING ...... 24

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI ii 3.4.1 Use of Specialized Investigative Techniques ...... 24 3.4.2 Forensic Technology ...... 25 3.4.3 Financial Investigations ...... 25 3.4.4 Use of Criminal Law ...... 25 3.4.5 Case File Preparation ...... 25 3.4.6 Case Clearance Rate And Administrative Penalties ...... 26 3.4.7 Prosecutorial Capacity ...... 26 3.4.8 Prosecution Guidelines ...... 26 3.4.9 Available Penalties ...... 26 4.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS...... 27 4.1 TRAFFICKING ROUTES AND SEIZURES...... 27 4.2 CHALLENGES RAISED BY PARTICIPANTS ...... 27 4.3 PRIMARY RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 28 ANNEX I. REVISED PROGRAM OF THE ASSESSMENT FIELD MISSION ...... 30 ANNEX II. LISTS OF PARTICIPANTS INTERVIEWED DURING THE FIELD MISSION ...... 32

List of tables Table 1. Summary of commercial trade in wild specimens of CITES listed species from Mali between 2000 and 2017 according to the CITES Trade Database List of Figures Figure 1: Map of Mali's reserves Figure 2: Map of trade routes used for the export of wild specimens from Mali (all purposes combined) between 2000 and 2017 List of photos Photo 1: Goods on sale at a stall in the fetish market of the Grand Marché in Bamako, Mali Photo 2: Poster at Bamako Airport Freight customs Photo 3: "Secure" storage room and Crocodile handbag seized Photo 4: Kourémalé border Photo 5: Photo 6: Gendarmerie office Photo 7: Captain's office and bed next to his desk

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

In concluding this study to assess wildlife-related crime in Mali and the need for a coordinated response to the situation, we would first like to thank Mali’s Ministry of Environment, Hygiene and Sustainable Development for supporting this exercise. Our special thanks go to Mamadou GAKOU, National Director for Water and Forests, and Modibo KONATE, Section Chief for conventions, Agreements and International Treaties at the National Directorate of Water and Forests. This report would not have been possible without their hard work, support, and tireless efforts with their team on the ground organizing and leading the assessments, conducting interviews, and ensuring that the report and its conclusions were validated at the national level. We would also like to express our deep gratitude to the customs officials working in land, air, and river ports; all the other staff members who participated in the assessments and provided us with valuable information on their activities. Finally, we would like to thank the many other individuals and organizations that assisted WA BiCC to produce this report to the highest standards. WA BiCC staff would also like to express their thanks and gratitude to all those who invested their valuable time, effort, and thought to improve our organization’s understanding of the current threats to West African biodiversity and the links to wildlife trafficking.

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI iv ACRONYMS

AWB Airway Bills BKO Modibo Keita International Airport CAAT Airport Anti-Trafficking Unit ECOWAS Economic Community of West African States CITES Convention on International trade in Wild Species of Fauna and Flora DOJ Department of Justice EU IER Institute of Rural Economics IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature MoUs Memorandum of Understanding NCB National Central Bureau OMD World Customs Organisation ONUDC United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime UNTOC United Nations Convention for Trans-national Organised Crime WA BiCC West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change Program WAPIS West Africa Police Information System

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI v 1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON MALI Mali is a landlocked country in the West African subregion, southwest of Algeria, north of Guinea, and Burkina Faso, and west of . It has borders with seven countries: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Mauritania, Niger and .1 Mali’s total area measures 1,240,192 sq km, of which 1,220,190 sq km is land and 20,002 sq km is water.Mali hosts the Inner Niger Delta, a unique ecosystem in West Africa which is created by the Niger River. This vast network of fluvial wetlands, lakes and channels mitigates the severity of the arid climate and forms the second largest interior delta in Africa. The delta plays a critical role in the country’s economy, as it is favourable to agriculture (rice, cotton), livestock breeding and fishing.2 Mali is divided into three natural zones: the southern, cultivated Sudanese; the central, semiarid Sahelian; and the northern, arid Saharan.3 Desert covers 30 percent of the territory and 59 percent of country is classified as having annual rainfall less than 400mm. The Sahelian (mean annual rainfall of 400-600mm) and Sudano-sahelian (600-800mm) zones together account for almost a quarter of the country with the remainder covered by the savannah woodlands of the Sudanian (800-1200 mm) zone in the south.

Figure 1: Map of Mali's reserves

Mali is a country in full growth with an estimated population of 18,429,893 million that is expected to double by 2035. The overwhelming majority of Mali’s population lives in the southern half of the

1 https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ml.html 2 https://eros.usgs.gov/westafrica/country/republic-mali 3 https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ml.html

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 1 country, with greater density along the border with Burkina Faso. Mali’s total population is expected to double by 2035.4 The official language is French but there are 13 additional languages spoken.5 As of 2011, land use was comprised of 34.1% agricultural land (arable land 5.6%, permanent crops 0.1%, permanent pasture 28.4%), 10.2% forests, and 55.7% other. The country depends on gold mining and agricultural exports for revenue.6 The primary sector contributes 45% to the country’s GDP. The agricultural sector, whose products are mainly cotton, cereals and rice, represents by far the largest portion (35.6%) of this total, followed by livestock and fisheries.7 Five direct threats to biodiversity have been identified: climate change, agriculture, urban sprawl and the resulting loss of natural habitat, bush fires, and the uncontrolled exploitation of wood as an energy source. As for the indirect threats, they include changes in human demographics, economic activity and technology, as well as sociopolitical and cultural factors.8 Environmental issues in Mali include deforestation, soil erosion, desertification, loss of pasture land and inadequate supplies of potable water.9 The main natural hazard is the hot, dust-laden harmattan haze, which is common during dry seasons as well as recurring droughts and occasional Niger River flooding.10

1.2 CITES TRADE CONTEXT CITES entered into force in Mali in 1994.11 The country’s national laws have been analyzed by the CITES Secretariat in relation to four minimum requirements: designate at least one Management Authority and one Scientific Authority; prohibit trade in specimens in violation of the Convention; penalize such trade; or confiscate specimens illegally traded or possessed.12

Table 1. Summary of commercial trade in wild specimens of CITES listed species from Mali between 2000 and 2017 according to the CITES Trade Database Purpose Code: T (Commercial Trade) - Source Code: W (Wild specimens) Data compiled using highest trade data reported by either the importer or the exporter Cercopithecus diana Diana monkey II 20 live Cercopithecus mona Mona monkey II 94 live Cercopithecus neglectus De Brazza’s monkey II 10 live Chlorocebus aethiops Malbrouk monkey II 86 live Chlorocebus pygerythrus Vervet monkey II 40 live MAMMALS Erythrocebus patas Patas monkey II 646 live Galago senegalensis Senegal bushbaby II 20 live

4 https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ml.html 5 https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ml.html

6 https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ml.html 7 https://www.cbd.int/countries/?country=ml 8 https://www.cbd.int/countries/?country=ml 9 https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ml.html 10 https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ml.html 11 https://cites.org/eng/disc/parties/chronolo.php 12 https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/cop/18/doc/E-CoP18-026-R1.pdf

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 2 Hippopotamus amphibius Hippopotamus II 100 kg teeth 4 live Leptailurus serval Serval II 2 skins Perodicticus potto West African potto II 20 live Trichechus senegalensis West African manatee I 2 live Vulpes zerda Fennec Fox II 170 live Accipiter ovampensis Ovampo Sparrowhawk II 1 live Accipiter toussenelii Red-chested goshawk II 10 live Agapornis pullarius Red-headed lovebird II 4403 live Amadina fasciata * Cut-throat finch III 91,370 Amandava subflava * Zebra waybill III 45,634 live Aquila verreauxii African black eagle II 6 live Balearica Pavonina Black crowned crane II 92 live Corythaeola cristata * Great blue turaco III 12 live astrild * Saint helena waxbill III 3,750 live Estrilda caerulescens * Lavender waxbill III 37,265 Estrilda melpoda * Orange-cheeked waxbill III 81,760 live Estrilda troglodytes* Red-eared waxbill III 111,700 live Euplectes afer* Golden bishop III 9,334 live Euplectes ardens * Red-collared whydah III 50 live Euplectes franciscanus * Orange bishop III 8,000 live Euplectes hordeaceus * Fire-crowned bishop III 5,300 live Euplectes macroura * Yellow-backed whydah III 620 live

Euplectes orix * Southern red bishop III 4,800 live * Euplectes spp. III 150 live Falco alopex Common kestrel II 15 live Gyps bengalensis Asian white-backed vulture II 12 live Hieraaetus spilogaster African hawk-eagle II 10 live Hieraaetus wahlbergi Wahlberg’s eagle II 1 live Kaupifalco monogrammicus Lizard buzzard II 6 live Lagonostica larvata * Ethiopian firefinch III 392 live Lagonostica rubricata * Blue-billed Firefinch III 1,200 live Lagonostica senegala * Red-billed Firefinch III 54,295 live Lonchura bicolor * Black-and-white Mannikin III 1,800 live Lonchura cantans * African silverbill III 17,355 live Lonchura cucullata * Bronze-winged Mannikin III 16,420 live Lonchura fringilloides* Magpie Mannikin III 400 live Mandingoa nitidula * Green twinspot III 1,481 live Musophaga violacea * Violet Plantain-eater III 402 live Melierax metabates Dark chanting-goshawk II 5 live Micronisus gabar Gabar goshawk II 10 live

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 3 Nesocharis capistrata * White-cheeked olive-back III 47 live Nettapus auritus * African Pygmy-goose III 270 live Oena capensis* Masked Dove III 2,638 live Ortygospiza atricollis * African quailfinch III 3,460 live Otus sagittatus White-fronted scops-owl II 4 live Northern grey-headed Passer griseus * sparrow III 900 live Ploceus cucullatus * Black-headed weaver III 3,150 live Ploceus heuglini * Heuglin's Masked-Weaver III 2,150 live Poicephalus gulielmi Red-fronted parrot II 5,550 live Poicephalus robustus Cape parrot II 240 live Poicephalus senegalus Senegal parrot II 102,907 live III 4,793 live Psittacula krameri * Rose-ringed parakeet 100 trophies Psittacus erithacus ** Grey Parrot I 5,470 live Psittacus erithacus timneh Timneh parrot II 2,620 live Ptilopsis leucotis White-faced scops-owl II 439 live Pyrenestes ostrinus * Black-bellied seed-cracker III 120 live Pytilia hypogrammica * Red-faced Pytilia III 1,800 live Pytilia phoenicoptera * Red-winged Pytilia III 13’350 live Quelea erythrops * Red-headed Dioch III 40 live Serinus leucopygius* White-rumped seedcracker III 53,946 live Serinus mozambicus * Yellow-fronted canary III 197,860 live Spermophaga haematina * Western Bluebill III 560 live Streptopelia vinacea * Vinaceous Dove III 20 live Tauraco persa Knysna turaco II 812 live Treron calvus * African green-pigeon III 20 live Treron waalia * Bruce's green pigeon III 180 live Treron sieboldii White-bellied Green-pigeon N 40 live Turtur afer Blue-spotted dove III 250 live Turtur tympanistria * Tambourine Dove III 42 live Tyto alba Common barn-owl II 20 live Uraeginthus bengalus * Red-checked cordon-bleu III 91,990 live Vidua chalybeata * Green Indigobird III 7,816 live Vidua macroura * Pin-tailed widow III 12,976 live Vidua orientalis * Northern Paradise-Whydah III 14,476 live Centrochelys sulcata African spurred tortoise II 875 live

Chamaeleo africanus African chameleon II 4,250 live Chamaeleo chamaeleon Common chameleon II 2,399 live

REPTILES Chamaeleo gracilis Graceful chameleon II 2,200 live Chamaeleo senegalensis Senegal chameleon II 2,750 live

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 4 Chamaeleo spp. II 325 live Kinixys belliana Bell’s hinge-back tortoise II 1,670 live Kinixys erosa Forest hinge-back tortoise II 50 live Kinixys homeana Home’s hinge-back tortoise II 800 live Pelomedusa subrufa * African helmeted turtle III 3,630 live West African black mud Pelusios niger * turtle III 33,41 live 1,860 live Python regius Royal python II 40 skins 1,210 live 28,013 skins Python sebae African Rock Python II 950 leather products (small) 8 leather products (large) Testudo graeca Common tortoise II 25 live Uromastyx acanthinura Bell’s dabb lizard II 3,590 live Uromastyx alfredschmidti Ebony mastigure II 50 live Uromastyx dispar mastigure II 180,190 live Uromastyx geyri Saharan spiny-tailed lizard II 68,074 live Uromastyx macfadyeni Somali Spiny-tailed Lizard II 20 live Uromastyx ocellata Eyed Dabb Lizard II 300 live Uromastyx ornata Ornate mastigure II 650 live Uromastyx princeps Princely mastigure II 18 live Uromastys thomasi Omani spiny-tailed lizard II 8 live Uromastyx spp. II 10,232 live 7,997 live Varanus exanthematicus Savannah monitor II 620 skins 18,752 live 3 leather products (large) 2487.58 leather products Varanus niloticus Nile monitor II (small) 22 shoes 10 skin pieces 806,316 skins

23 leather products (large) Varanus spp. II 780 live 50,083.4 m3 logs Pterocarpus erinaceus Vène wood II 2,028.7 m3 sawn wood

Hippocampus hippocampus Black Seahorse N 5 live *** SPECIES MARINE MARINE

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 5 Pandinus imperator Emperor scorpion II 25,550 live Pandinus spp. II 25 live ARTHROPODS

Table 1. 1 * species was listed in Appendix III at time of export but is no longer listed in CITES ** species was listed in Appendix II until December 2016. It is now listed on Appendix I. *** species was not listed at time of export but is now listed in Appendix II N not listed

Mali is currently listed in national legislation Category 2 (legislation that is believed generally to meet one to three of the four requirements for effective implementation of CITES; November 2019 update), which indicates that all the four minimum requirements are not met by its national laws.13 As per November 2019 update, legislation was provided to the CITES Secretariat for analysis. The draft analysis indicates some gaps in the legislation that need to be addressed. The next steps would be an agreement between Mali and the Secretariat on revised legislative analysis, including possible Category 1 status.14 A review of commercial trade levels in wild specimens of CITES listed species between 2000 and 2017 indicates that during that period, the broad majority of Mali’s legal commercial exports were birds especially Red-eared waxbills (Estrilda troglodytes), Senegal parrots (Poicephalus senegalus), yellow- fronted canaries (Serinus mozambicus) and red-checked cordon-bleus (Uraeginthus bengalus). A large amount of reptiles were also exported during this period, especially of live Uromastyx (Uromastyx dispar), as well as a large amount of Nile monitor skins (Varanus niloticus). A significant number of emperor scorpions (Pandinus imperator) were also exported during this period.15 The commercial export of large numbers of grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus and Psittacus erithacus timneh) and red-capped parrots (Poicephalus gulielmi) taken from the wild (source code S) requires further investigation as Mali is not a Range State for these species, which suggests that the birds were probably illegally introduced into the country before being exported. The commercial export of two wild live specimens of West African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) to the Russian Federation in 2015, and 200 live grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) to Kuwait in 2017 also requires further investigation as these exports took place after these species were listed in Appendix 1, meaning that transactions for commercial purposes were prohibited under CITES. A summary of commercial transactions involving wild specimens of CITES-listed species is provided in Appendix 3.

13 https://cites.org/eng/legislation/National_Legislation_Project 14 https://cites.org/eng/legislation/National_Legislation_Project 15 CITES Trade Database available at: https://trade.cites.org/#

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 6 A graphic representation of trade routes used for reported legal international trade in wild specimens of CITES species from Mali during the period 2000–2017 is included below.

Figure 2: Map of trade routes used for the export of wild specimens from Mali (all purposes combined) between 2000 and 2017. Source: CITES Trade Database. Graphic representation produced using TradeMapper.

1.3 METHODOLOGY AND SCOPE OF THE ASSESSMENT: The threat assessment mission took place on 4-9 September 2019 and was led by Mr. Modibo Konaté, Water and Forests Engineer, Head of the Convention, Agreements and Treaties Section at the National Directorate of Water and Forests. The assessments were carried out in and around the capital city of Bamako, including at the city’s international airport, and at the land boundary posts of Kourémalé, the border crossing point with Guinea and Hérémakono, the border crossing point with Burkina Faso. Interviews were conducted with wildlife authorities, Customs, Interpol, national parks authorities, Police, the Judiciary and other agencies at the border crossing points. A list of all interviewees and the full schedule of the threat assessment are included in Annexes I and II. The team undertaking the assessment included: 1. Charles MACKAY, MK Wildlife Consultancy (customs expert) 2. Warren SWEENEY, Freeland Africa (enforcement expert) 3. Modibo KONATÉ, Water and Forests Engineer, Head of the Convention, Agreements and Treaties Section at the National Directorate of Water and Forests 4. Yacouba J. Djigui DIARRA, Control Officer at the National Directorate of Water and Forests - Bamako District 5. Mambe DEMBELE, Interpreter, student at Bamako university

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 7 2.0 ASSESSMENT OF WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING AT MARKETS AND ENTRY POINTS

2.1 MARKET The team were taken to the Grand Marché, the largest market in Bamako. It is situated across the road from the of Mali building and is a bustling market featuring all types of goods and services. The team visited the section known as the fetish market, where stallholders sell dead and their body parts for rituals. Unlike such markets in other countries the team has visited, this one is not organized, so there is no head spokesperson or committee to talk to. Whilst undoubtedly tourists do go to this part of the market, it is more out of curiosity than to buy anything. It is very much a market for locals. It was approaching the end of the day when the team visited and it was getting dark so many stalls were closing down, however there were at least 12 that could be seen with such products. Mr Konaté introduced the team to one of the sellers, who was somewhat reticent to say much about the trade. He said that people came to them with specimens for sale, but none from outside Mali. He said there was no problem in taking photographs, although from background research, they normally charge those that request it. He did say that they do not sell very much in a day. As it was beginning to get dark, it was difficult to identify many of the species, but there were a number of cat skulls, possibly leopard and serval. There were also primate and crocodile skulls, heads of vultures and other birds of prey. Many of the specimens looked old, but some were clearly fresh. There were many more species than those advertised on the stalls, but some were unrecognizable, and it was difficult to get a good view of many others.

Photo 1: Goods on sale at a stall in the fetish market of the Grand Marché in Bamako, Mali

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 8 2.2 CUSTOMS DIRECTORATE The Assessment Team met with Mr Amadou Sanogo, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Director, his Deputy Director and the Head of Evaluation and Statistics Section. Mr Sanogo stated at the outset that the questionnaire was being completed by the CITES Point of Contact who was based at the airport. He also deferred many of the questions we asked to that person, who we would meet the following day. He stated Customs are legislated under laws made by Water and Forests to protect fauna and flora. All sections of Customs know CITES exists and they apply the laws of import and export of fauna and flora. Customs have their own procedures for dealing with smugglers, but seek Water and Forests’ advice on identification etc. They can’t prosecute themselves but after investigating a case, they send the person to the justice department and police to deal with. Searches of premises will be conducted by gendarmerie and police. During an investigation, they can hold the person involved for only one day before referring them to the courts or police/gendarmerie. Mr Sanogo was aware of a seizure of a tortoise on the border with Mauritania and some Uromastyx spp. from the North in the last 3 years. He considered wildlife to be a medium priority. Customs have not taken part in the WCO Operation INAMA (it is a WCO operation in Central and West Africa), but would like to. Mr Sanogo recommends that more training is given to all customs officers.

2.3 AIRPORT Modibo Keita International Airport (IATA: BKO) (formerly Bamako–Sénou International Airport) is Mali's main airport located approximately 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) south of Bamako and is the country's only international airport. It is managed by Aéroports du Mali (ADM) and its operations are overseen by the Ministry of Equipment and Transport. There are around 13 airlines that fly to BKO, the largest three being Air France, Royal Air Maroc and Turkish Airlines. The visit took place at the freight terminal, where the main customs area is situated. We had no security clearance to visit the airport passenger terminal. We met with: the Director of Customs at the airport, Mr Mansour Coulibaly; Mr Abdoulaye Maiga, who is head of Import Section and also the Mali Customs Focal Point for CITES; Mr Baba Keita, Head of Water and Forest at BKO and Mr. Benjamin Diarra, head of the Export Section of Customs. Mr Maiga fielded most of the questions with regards to wildlife. There are over 100 officers working at BKO, with two brigades in freight, one each for import and export control, two teams dealing with passengers, one for incoming and one for outgoing, intelligence team as well as the management staff. The operation is 24/7 and all freight is checked: imports manually and exports by scanning. There are between 500–600 airway bills (AWB) checked each week on incoming flights. For export, the number is between 50–100 AWBs per week. This does not equate to the number of consignments however, as a consolidated AWB could comprise of several individual ones. There are two teams within the intelligence team (believed to be a UNODC/WCO sponsored Airport Anti-Traffics Cells (CAAT) team, although this was not mentioned at the time), which profiles passengers and freight. They have three priorities; narcotics, wildlife and cultural goods. These are the

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 9 only things they profile for. It does not appear that there are any Water and Forests officials attached to the unit. Birds are the main wildlife specimens being exported, mostly finches. CITES permits require three signatures to be valid, the signatures of the Director, the Assistant Director and the Head of the Export Division of Water and Forests. Customs sign the Photo 2: Poster at Bamako Airport Freight customs bottom of the permits at export but check with Water and Forests at the airport to make sure everything is okay before doing so. If there is any evidence of illegal wildlife trade, Water and Forests authorities are contacted to identify the specimens and they will check to see whether they have the correct documentation. If deemed illegal, Customs would arrest the person, e.g. in the passenger terminal, in cooperation with Water and Forests. The goods are confiscated, and a case file initiated by Water and Forests. Depending on the severity of the infraction, they will either confiscate the goods and fine the person, or for more serious cases, seek to prosecute through the court. The former is usually the option they choose. Customs may initially carry out an investigation, but then pass it over to Water and Forest to deal with. Should there be illegal wildlife found at export, the shipment will be stopped and passed on to Water and Forests. Although they have the relevant legislation to conduct controlled deliveries, they have had no experience in undertaking one. The main risk country for imports of wildlife is considered to be Morocco (tortoises and reptiles) while for exports, Asia, particularly China and Hong Kong lead the list. Should any information come to light concerning passengers during the profiling process, the information is passed onto the officers who work the terminal. All passengers’ bags are scanned by Customs, while handbags are searched/scanned by airport security. As far as training on CITES is concerned, Mr Abdoulaye Maiga is the only customs officer to have received any. He went to a workshop in Zurich in 2012 and another in Entebbe in 2013. He has a team of 12 and trains them on CITES himself. It was stressed by Customs that CITES training is necessary for those who are early in their careers as they will be able to act as trainers for others in the future. There have not been any seizures in the last three years. In 2014 some tortoises and reptiles were found in a passenger’s baggage when the luggage was scanned coming in from Morocco. There have been small quantities of ivory and other wildlife specimens found by security in passengers’ baggage. They had been bought in local markets. A crocodile handbag was seized by security and confiscated and is being held in a “secure” storage room. Water and Forests deal with live animals when they are confiscated, and customs keep any non-perishable wildlife seizures. Customs said they don’t do anything with the seizures, they just stay in the secure lock-up.

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 10

Photo 3: "Secure" storage room and Crocodile handbag seized

According to Mr Maiga, anti-wildlife trafficking is considered a high priority at the airport. Customs suggested that: 1. A customs representative be taken to CITES CoP, so that they can learn more and mix with other enforcement officers. 2. That the head of exports be invited to the train-the-trainer workshop when Mali attend 3. Training for all officers be given

2.4 KOURÉMALÉ - LAND BORDER CROSSING POST WITH GUINEA Mali Shares a border with 7 countries – Mauritania, Algeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinea and Senegal. At each of these borders, there is at least one official land border crossing where authorities are established (Customs, Police, etc.). Kourémalé is on the border with Guinea and is the main international crossing point between the two countries. The Kankan-Kourémalé-Bamako transnational intercity highway is the single point of entry and exit between Photo 4: Kourémalé border Conakry in Guinea and Bamako. The road is in good condition. Security was heightened for the team’s visit, and armed escorts were provided by the Gendarmerie. A general meeting was held with representatives from Police, Gendarmerie, Civil Protection, Customs and Water and Forests. The roles of Customs at Kourémalé were explained as follows:

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 11 1. Inspection of goods coming into Mali is their number one priority 2. Protection of manufactured goods – for the . 3. Supporting other government administrations i.e. sanitary and armaments 4. Combat wildlife crime, and 5. Combat the narcotics traffic and illegal medicines. The Chief of Customs, Mr Baba Sympara, said he had received some CITES training in France as part of general customs training, but none of his officers had. The Police Chief outlined the role of police vis à vis persons crossing into Mali from Guinea. All persons are checked upon entering and names are manually entered into a logbook and forwarded to the Department of Immigration. They have a database they check people against, which is also connected to neighboring countries and a photo system, but this is not working at the moment. There are too many people passing through to take fingerprints. Customs has the ability to check persons with other countries for criminal records etc. He estimated that there are between 400 – 600 persons entering or leaving Mali per day at Kourémalé crossing. Police check all vehicles entering or leaving. As far as trucks crossing at the border, all are checked manually as there are no scanners at the border. The routine is that a truck is checked by Customs first and then the documentation is verified to see that it reconciles with the payload. If they find anything illegal, they will seize the product and if they don’t know who the owner is, they will arrest the driver. There are unofficial crossing points, which makes stopping illegal trafficking difficult, but Customs do patrols up and down the border. The Gendarmerie’s role is to provide escorts to the other agency, but the representative was not willing to answer questions because he was not senior enough. It was apparent that all the agencies work closely with one another, particularly Customs, Police, Gendarmerie and Water and Forests. There are no Water and Forests personnel stationed at Kourémalé because they don’t have enough staff. There is a unit stationed nearby who can provide assistance. If Customs find any wildlife specimens, they will contact their own administration in Bamako, who in turn will contact Water and Forests. There was one case of illegal trade in wildlife in 2016 at the border post. A dead gazelle was seized at the border post in 2016, but no one seemed to know anything more about the case. There were no reported incidents of wildlife trafficking coming from or going to Mali in the last two years, nor have they received any information about wildlife trafficking.

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 12 Customs would like to have capacity building for all staff, particularly in the identification of species. They have no educational material to inform the general public or agencies based there and also complained that there just weren’t enough computers to carry out their work effectively.

2.5 HÉRÉMAKONO – BORDER CROSSING POINT WITH BURKINA FASO The southern road passes through the Koloko (Burkina Faso) and Hérémakono (Mali) border points and is 934 km long with 432 km in Mali and 502 km in Burkina Faso. Hérémakono is around a six-hour drive from Bamako. The assessment team decided on this occasion they would interview customs separately, so they could ask more detailed questions. The initial meeting included representatives from Police, Gendarmerie, Public Security, Veterinary, Agriculture, Phytosanitary, Immigration, Water and Forests, Immigration, Interpol Ghana (who were on a visit) and a representative from Malian Road Transport Company (registering of lorries). A full list of attendees can be found in Annex II. Water and Forests have a unit camped at the border post, and they deal with CITES permits and other licenses, checking the goods to make sure they comply. Shea butter (made from almonds) come through regularly and requires a license from the country of origin. They have difficulties in covering the country as it is so big and they don’t have enough officers. They have not seen any CITES cases at the border. Police check the passengers/people coming into Mali and the vehicles for licenses, Customs are responsible for checking the interiors. They would contact Water and Forests if they found any wildlife specimens. All individuals entering or departing are recorded manually in a logbook, as there is no access to a computer database. No criminal networks have been identified to date. Should any information of this nature come to light, a WhatsApp group has been established to share information with officials on both sides of the border. If someone is arrested crossing the Mali border, the Gendarmerie/National Police would arrest the suspect, fingerprint and photograph the individual(s). Any cell phone would be seized and sent to the Sikasso office for examination. All evidence would be seized, and the person would be taken to the town of Sikasso for processing. All products, including the vehicle would be seized as evidence and put into a secure storage facility. The Gendarmerie provides armed support to the agencies based there and work closely with their colleagues in Burkina. They don’t have a computer database there, so all their checks have to be done manually and through contact with their office in Bamako. They receive requests from Burkina Faso, via Bamako, about fugitives escaping to Mali, so the Gendarmerie will investigate and catch Photo 6: Gendarmerie office

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 13 them. They are able to check mobile phones in their investigations. There is no central repository for information, i.e. a database. All information is entered by hand into the Police logbook and it is exchanged with officers at shift change. The Police investigate people but stated that agents often have to fund things themselves, like fuel to carry out their work. If they find any wildlife specimens, they would proceed with the arrest, seize the specimens, including the vehicle, and the Gendarmerie would escort them to the nearest police station. The case would then be dealt with by Water and Forest. The conditions they work in are very basic, for example, the Captain of the National Police has a small room, where he works and sleeps, as do other agency officials. There is no proper supply of electricity to most of the offices there, just a rudimentary small solar panel which provides limited power and they therefore do not appear to have any computers. Moral is understandably low. The Customs facilities are better, and they do have electricity and computers because of their revenue role no doubt. No one there has ever received CITES training, including Water and Forests. Not surprisingly, they mentioned better facilities and getting electricity as the two most pressing requirements. They also need training, as no one there has received any, including Water and Forests. They would also like to have identification materials, posters etc. to help educate the public and agencies based there.

Photo 7: Captain's office and bed next to his desk

2.6 CUSTOMS AT HÉRÉMAKONO At the Customs Office we met the head of the unit Mr Youba Semga. He said he was very interested in wildlife, as human beings depend on it. He mentioned he once saw a gazelle coming in from Niger and wrote a report to their office in Bamako about it. He later found the person did have a certificate and it was for breeding, so let him go. Mr Semga patiently went through the border crossing questionnaire with the team, as he hadn’t received one. The main points from this were: 1. He has around 15 customs officers based there. 2. There are around 40–70 vehicles passing through each day, of which 40%-70% are commercial.

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 14 3. There are no technical aids to help with detection or searches at the border, everything has to be done manually. He did mention there is a scanner in Sikasso, which is the nearest town to Hérémakono and that everything, but perishables goes through it. 4. None of the officers have received any CITES training and he doesn’t believe training is being given to new entrants either. The general level of knowledge in customs is therefore bad. 5. There is no intelligence system at the border to help with the selection process, the assessment is made by the senior person on duty each day. He has just completed training with the Spanish Police on managing risk, which he will use in his work. However, there is no warning on what is coming through, so this makes it difficult. 6. There have been no CITES seizures by customs in the last 3 years. 7. He sees the main challenges as a lack of communication between agencies and between countries, lack of intelligence and lack of identification skills. Training needs to be given to all administrations. He suggested sniffer dogs would be very useful, as would a scanner, although with the lack of electricity this would be difficult to accommodate. More protection for field personnel (terrorist attacks across the Burkina Faso border make Customs and Police personnel feel vulnerable).

2.7 OTHER SITE VISITS

2.7.1 Interpol The assessment team met with Mr. Elhadji Baba WANGARA, Deputy National Director. He explained that Interpol were currently working on ivory and pangolin scales, looking at the connection between trafficking and terrorism. Their job is to share information between different agencies within and outside Mali to counter trafficking. One of the major concerns to INTERPOL as well as other police agencies is the lack of funds to do a proper job. If there is an ivory seizure, the information and intelligence is passed onto other ECOWAS countries as part of their normal inter-agency cooperation. INTERPOL has set up a WhatsApp group among a number of police agencies in Mali and elsewhere in West Africa to share intelligence. INTERPOL regularly shares information on its’ I-247 internal network with surrounding countries as well as on its’ National Community Criminal Documentation (CNCD) network. Mr Wangara explained that INTERPOL has implemented a program called WAPIS (West Africa Police Information System), funded by the EU. Many of the 16 countries in West Africa sit on the Atlantic Ocean, making the region especially attractive to criminals as a transit hub between Africa, Europe and the Americas. Improving security in West Africa is therefore of global interest, and essential in order to combat the crimes currently affecting the region such as drug trafficking, people smuggling, human trafficking and terrorism. Wildlife trafficking would also come under this system. WAPIS is offered to police, customs wildlife authorities and judges. More information can be found at: https://www.interpol.int/en/How-we-work/Capacity-building/WAPIS-Programme He said he was very willing to work with other agencies and do more on wildlife trafficking. He would like to be nominated to attend the Train-the-Trainer workshop when Mali are invited, as it will give him the opportunity to do his job more effectively and provide the police with more knowledge about wildlife trafficking.

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 15 Lack of training is a big issue in Mali, and he is looking to get wildlife trafficking into the Police school to help with this. Lack of funds is an issue. They did not have any money to send any management or investigators to the Interpol Working Group on Wildlife Crime meeting in the UK earlier this year. Mr Wangara intends to mention our visit and survey to the senior management of the National Police as well as the Gendarmerie in an attempt to get them to act on wildlife crime. Unfortunately, the assessment team did not get the questionnaire returned to them as was promised.

2.7.2 Water and Forests The Assessment Team had a brief meeting with Mr Mamadou GAKOU, the National Director of the National Directorate of Water and Forests (“Water and Forests”), who wished us well for the assessment. Mr Konaté then gave a briefing on the workings of Water and Forests as it pertains to wildlife crime in Mali and the laws that apply: The combatting of wildlife trafficking is generally seen as either a medium or high priority for law enforcement. Water and Forests is the main law enforcement agency and all cases are referred to them. Customs, who have officers based at all of the border posts in Mali, refer all their cases to Water and Forests. Cases requiring investigation, arrest and prosecution are always referred to Water and Forests as well. The penalty for wildlife crimes ranges from 1 week to 5 years imprisonment and/or fines from 5,000 to 500,000 XOF (9.00-850 USD). If the offender cannot pay the fine, the case is referred to the Department of Justice (DOJ). A repeat offender is always sent to the DOJ for adjudication. The Chief of Service (Water and Forests) determines how the case will be handled. All items seized as evidence are held by Water and Forests. Water and Forests can ask for the help of the police to assist in the investigation. There is a problem with leaky borders and Guineans running back to their own countries after committing offences. Water and Forests just report it to the judiciary, that is the only role they play. There are no extradition treaties with Guinea, but they are working on it. They have not received training on CITES. There’s no scientific research on wildlife currently, so they have to use their own skill to identify specimens, which they learned at Water and Forests school.

2.7.3 Scientific Authority Mali’s scientific authority is the Institute of rural economy (Institut d’économie rurale “IER”). The team met with Mr. Hamidou Nantoumé PhD, Scientific Director who provided the explanations below. The IER works well with Water and Forests and will assist other agencies when needed. It establishes standards and has Memoranda of Understanding with agencies. IER has a strategic plan whereby two teams are sent to an area to do Research and Development. The Research is broken down into two parts: domestic animals and wildlife, if time permits. The study of chimpanzees has not been undertaken, although it is a priority endangered species.

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 16 IER provides research support as well as technical assistance. It has 850 employees (field agents) of which there are 250 researchers working in 6 research centres. During one research project a couple of years ago, they found that a large number of birds were being killed by children. The IER requested that the police keep an eye on birds. They noted that there is a problem with gazelles as they are being killed indiscriminately. If they come across any pangolin cases, it will be turned over to Customs for investigation and prosecution.

2.7.4 Development of Wildlife Reserves, Water and Forests The assessment team were under the impression they were to see the NGO Wetland Trust, however instead we met with Niazié Mallet, Head of Section Development of Wildlife Reserves, Wetlands and Zoological Park, Water and Forests, Mr.Youssouf TRAORE, responsible for wetlands and Cherif DOUMBIA, Head of Biosphere Reserves and National Parks section. Mr Mallet did not know much about the NGO – Wetland Trust and has very little contact with it. A discussion took place about the area around Gourma, Mali and the three rivers that separate Mali from Côte d’Ivoire. A number of elephants have been killed in this area and Mali has instituted protection of wildlife by a special brigade of armed rangers under Water and Forests. This effort is being supported by funding from WILD Foundation. According to Law 2018 0036, 27 JUN 2018, a brigade of army rangers was designated to protect the area. According to Mallet, it is a very dangerous area to work in because of terrorist attacks in the area. He gave an example where a patrol was attacked, and their vehicle destroyed. WILD Foundation provided funding for training, dogs and equipment to support the brigades. The main animals under threat are antelopes, leopards, chimpanzees, pythons and crocodiles. The skins and other organs are used in traditional medicine by the locals and skins also sold to artisans to make bags, shoes etc. They would like to see increased capacity building for Water and Forests, particularly in identification of fauna, CITES training and fauna assessments so it may be determined what species are under threat, and financial assistance to Water and Forests.

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 17 3.0 OVERVIEW OF WILDLIFE LAW ENFORCEMENT

3.1 PROACTIVE ENFORCEMENT AS DETERRENT TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING

3.1.1 Enforcement Priority In Mali, the combatting of wildlife trafficking is generally seen as either a medium or high priority for law enforcement. Water and Forests is the main law enforcement agency and all cases are referred to them. They consider wildlife trafficking as a high priority, however other enforcement agencies like Customs, who refer all their cases to Water and Forests, consider it mainly as medium priority. Cases requiring investigation, arrest and prosecution are all referred to Water and Forests. The assessment team were unable to secure interviews with the Police or Gendarmerie in their main headquarters in Bamako, but it is assumed that wildlife trafficking is not a high priority in those agencies. There is little intelligence on poaching or trafficking gathered by enforcement agencies, and they work in a reactive rather than proactive way. Unlike some of the West African countries, there are no NGOs such as Eagle Network working in Mali to gather intelligence and investigate wildlife traffickers, which might improve results and thereby the priority level in this area.

3.1.2 Serious Crime The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC)16 defines serious crime as conduct constituting an offence punishable by imprisonment for at least four years or a more serious penalty. In Mali, the maximum penalty for wildlife trafficking is 5 years imprisonment, which technically means that it is treated as a serious crime. The reality of it, however, is that wildlife offenders do not get adequate punishment for their crimes. The preferred choice is to agree a financial penalty with the accused rather than go through the court system. Ms Samake Oumou Elkhairou Niaré, Tribunal President, stated that in the 15 years she has been in the judiciary, she has never come across a wildlife trafficking case. This situation may change when the new legislation being developed is ratified.

3.1.3 National Enforcement Strategy The assessment team were unable to find any evidence that a national enforcement strategy and/or action plan for tackling wildlife trafficking has been developed for Mali. Currently wildlife trafficking appears to be tackled on an ad-hoc basis, as and when information/intelligence is received.

16 https://www.unodc.org/documents/treaties/UNTOC/Publications/TOC%20Convention/TOCebook-e.pdf

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 18 3.1.4 National Cooperation In Mali, the cooperation and collaboration between agencies appear very good at the local level in airports and land boundaries where the agencies meet regularly to discuss all aspects of law enforcement issues, including wildlife trafficking. The meetings the assessment team held at the land borders for instance, involved many agencies and all appeared to be aware that Water and Forests department was the focal point for wildlife offences. However, there are no formal inter-agency structures at the national or regional level where cooperation to tackle wildlife trafficking is addressed, nor are there any MoUs between agencies. Mr Modibo Konaté indicated that Water and Forests collaborate with Customs when illegal imports are detected by them, to gather information on the importer and to investigate. He mentioned that there is a formal agreement with Customs on this process, but this is not in the form of a MoU that the team is aware of. Interpol appears to have a good relationship with Water and Forests and share information with them. Mr Wangara indicated that they are very willing to get more involved with other agencies in tackling wildlife crime.

3.1.5 International Cooperation In Mali, cooperation amongst national law enforcement agencies to combat wildlife crime occurs occasionally on an ad-hoc basis as and when an operation is planned, or investigations are taking place. There are no formal agreements amongst countries. It is assessed that law enforcement officers would require adequate training to initiate such investigations. The main conduit for international engagement is generally through Interpol. To date, there have been no cross-border multi-agency investigations taking place involving Mali, although Mr Wangara indicated that in 2015, he went to a meeting in Portugal concerning a trafficker with false permits. The trafficker had Guinean and Mali passports, but lived in Mali. He stated the case was ongoing and was unable to elaborate further. He also briefly mentioned another case where he provided urgent information to a request from Mexico, which resulted in the arrest of a suspect there. Mr Wangara stated that he had started a WhatsApp group between Interpol colleagues, so they can exchange information quickly. Mr. Konaté indicated that they have problems with leaky borders and Guineans involved in trafficking into Mali disappearing back to their own country before they are caught. They have no extradition treaty agreement with Guinea, which means they have no way of getting them back. They are working with Guinea to change this.

3.1.6 Strategic Risk Management Strategic risk management helps to determine where the greatest areas of exposure are and where resources should be allocated to effectively manage these risks. Risk management can also assist in the identification of activities that require a higher level of control. In Mali, however, none of these risk management practices seem to be in place. In Mali, the lack of knowledge and experience with conducting threat assessments hinders the development of a sustained program. During the interview with Mr Youba SEMGA, the head of Customs at the Hérémakono land border with Burkina Faso, he mentioned that he had just been on a training course in Spain on managing risk. However, it is doubtful whether they have the tools there

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 19 to undertake a full risk profiling strategy and since they have no advanced notification of what freight is going to pass through, it is hard to see how it could even be implemented. The intelligence team based at the airport does carry out profiling for passengers and freight on a daily basis and wildlife trafficking is one of their three priorities, however there have not been any seizures of wildlife at the airport in the last 3 years.

3.1.7 Proactive Investigations The assessment team saw no evidence that proactive investigations to target prominent wildlife trafficking threats and pre-identified targets, groups and individuals are being used in Mali. There is no predominant NGO that works undercover to provide information and intelligence to Water and Forests, as in other West African Countries, that would help generate investigations. The Mali government agencies do not have the skill sets or political will to conduct wildlife investigations on their own initiative. Most investigations are therefore done on an ad-hoc basis when information is received from another agency i.e. Customs. These sorts of investigations are likely of a fairly basic nature and at best results in a small fine for the perpetrator. Training in investigative techniques and improving results with heavier sentencing through courts is required as a catalyst for this to happen.

3.1.8 Staffing, Recruitment and Law Enforcement Training In Mali, the national law enforcement agencies to combat wildlife trafficking are under-staffed without an appropriate mix of full-time, part-time and casual staff, experienced and less experienced staff, and professional, technical, investigative and administrative staff as needed to discharge the required activities, and usually experience staffing and/or skills shortages. During discussions at land border posts, Water and Forests staff stated they didn’t have enough staff to cover the country and not all border posts are manned by them. The conditions that some of the agencies have to work in is also not conducive to retaining staff. In most countries the assessment team has visited in West Africa, Customs have set lengths of time their officers can work in a post as one of the ways of tackling corruption. This can vary from 1-3 years. In Mali there are no limits on the amount of time officers can remain in post. Apart from one or two individuals, it would appear that none of the agencies the team met with have received any training on wildlife trafficking/CITES, including Water and Forests who are the lead agency in this area. All raised this as the main issue when it came to try to enforce the laws, they have little idea of what they are looking for and where. None of the agencies have wildlife trafficking as part of the curriculum in their training schools for new recruits, although Mr Wangara from Interpol said he wanted to introduce it into the police school. He is also keen on attending a training event for trainers. Mr Maiga, the Customs focal point for CITES has received training and says he trains his own staff at the airport.

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 20 3.2 DETECTION OF WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

3.2.1 Targeted Enforcement Presence In Mali, the main locations used by traffickers are targeted by law enforcement agencies however, they are not actively targeting wildlife crime. Water and Forests, the lead agency, do not have a presence at all the border points and would have to be called if anything is found. Like all the other countries in the West African region, Mali has porous borders and whilst a few have good facilities and equipment to tackle trafficking, most of the others do not and Mali is in the latter group. Captain Samake, Director of National Parks, stated that they have three objectives: conservation of the biosphere; scientific research and social economies of the communities neighboring the park. Anti- poaching is part of their role, but they only have 50 forest rangers on the ground to undertake this work, 27 of whom are technician agents (field investigators/rangers) and 12 technicians who have had at least 2 years of study after high school and two engineers. The engineers are the commanders of the programs and the 12 technicians supervise the field agents. There are cross-border problems with Mauritania, but according to Mr Samake, all the poaching is done by Malians. In the last 5 years, 10 poachers were caught, and they were all Malians. With the recent Law 036 of 2018, the punishment for offences ranges from minimum, a small fine as prescribed by the Director of Water and Forests, to a maximum penalty of 250,000 XOF (425 USD) or three months in jail. The punishment is meted out according to the level of crime. Information about criminal activity is sent to other interested parties via email. An effort to gain information on poachers within the local communities is underway, but to date no significant information has come to light to identify activities and this may be in part due to the low priority of wildlife trafficking.

3.2.2 Joint Supportive Operations A multi-disciplinary law enforcement operation is one that involves officers from all relevant enforcement disciplines as appropriate, for example officers from Police, Customs and the wildlife regulatory authority. Operations can either be sub-national, national or international in scope. An infrequent basis can be interpreted as once in every two years. In Mali, multi-disciplinary enforcement operations targeting wildlife trafficking are conducted on an ad- hoc basis and infrequently at the national level, and rarely done at the international level. Interpol would become involved in an investigation along with Water and Forests when the goals are clearly defined and worthwhile. Budgetary constraints play a major role in the establishment of joint operations. It is unknown when the last joint operation took place or what its results were. According to the UNODC (https://www.unodc.org/westandcentralafrica/en/wsaircop.html), Mali was one of the countries selected under the Aircop Project and therefore has a trained Airport Anti- Traffics Cells (CAAT) team. From the assessment team’s experience, these are multi-functional, made up of Police, Customs and sometimes from the designated wildlife authority. During the visit, the team were not notified that there was a CAAT based at the airport, although there are two Investigation/Intelligence teams within Customs, which the team were not able to speak to.

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 21 3.2.3 Border Control Staff This indicator measures the extent to which ports of entry and exit are staffed with law enforcement officers that are aware of and trained in detecting and responding to wildlife crime. Apart from at the Bamako International Airport, most of the law enforcement agencies at the border posts are not trained in detecting and dealing with wildlife trafficking, although they do recognize that it is important to stop it. At Bamako airport, all Customs sections are aware that there are CITES limitations on import/export items. Interpol NCB (National Central Bureau) indicated that they would like to participate in wildlife trafficking investigations with other Mali law enforcement agencies. There is no one dedicated person at Interpol who looks after wildlife crime matters. The Interpol NCB allows Police to access i24/7 who share information with Customs and Water and Forests.

3.2.4 Border Control Equipment In Mali, apart from at the Bamako International Airport and the Border Crossing at Hérémakono, which has the scanner in Sikasso, there is no equipment to assist law enforcement agencies to detect wildlife crime in other parts of the country. At the borders there are no detector dogs trained to find wildlife specimens and there are no resources such as species identification guides, posters or other tools to help them. For instance, during the assessment team’s interview with personnel at the Hérmakono border post, it was mentioned that the unit needs more publicity material such as brochures and posters, along with more funding to carry out awareness raising missions in Mali. The Anti-Poaching Brigade protecting the Elephants in the North do have a couple of ivory detection dogs, which they use on their patrols. Captain Sagaba Samake, Director of Boucle du Baoulé National Park advised us that he had been able to obtain 6 drones within the last month for the National Parks. These drones will be deployed in 6 different sectors of the park to assist in investigation and management of wildlife. As of this date, they do not have anyone who is trained in their use but they are recruiting agents to be the pilots. Animals under threat are antelope, gazelles, elands, giraffes and buffaloes. According to Mr Samake, the elephants left the park a long time ago. Recently, there was a report of one elephant being spotted. Park officials stated that they thought that the elephant was only a scout to check out the area before any other elephants return.

3.2.5 Inspection and Seizure Powers In Mali, all of the relevant agencies have the power of inspection, seizure and confiscation to fulfil their law enforcement roles effectively.

3.2.6 Disposal of Confiscated Wildlife Specimens In Mali, there are only some basic systems and procedures in place for managing, storing, auditing and disposing of confiscated wildlife specimens. For parts and derivative specimens, Water and Forests have a small secure lock-up where seizures can be held, but it is not a suitable space for any bulky seizures. The “secure” facility at Bamako Airport Customs office is not at all secure. Customs stated that nothing happens to the seizures, they just stay there. Given the few seizures made at the airport,

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 22 this is not too much of a problem, but a proper system of storage, recording and disposal should be introduced as a priority measure. The specimens they have at the moment would be very useful for training purposes and should be stored securely until they are necessary. As for confiscated live specimens, there is no rescue center in Mali for law enforcement agencies to take such animals. The assessment team visited the National Zoo in Bamako, which currently serves as the location for disposal of live confiscations because there is no wildlife sanctuary in the country. Prior to the start of the program, the assessment team decided to visit the National Zoo to see what the capacity and suitability of rehoming seized specimens was. While the team was not able to speak to any management from the zoo, from their own observations the team deemed the zoo to be one of the better zoos that have been visited and the facilities in which the animals are held look spacious and well maintained. It is the assessment team’s opinion that the zoo is a suitable center for the welfare of animals, either on a short- or long-term basis, although undoubtedly funding would be needed to do this.

3.3 WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED USING AN INTELLIGENCE-LED APPROACH

3.3.1 Investigative Capacity In Mali, law enforcement agencies tend to be reactive as opposed to proactive when tackling wildlife crime. Investigations are of a limited capacity and only initiated when the evidence on suspected offenders has been collected and Water and Forests have been advised. Water and Forests may request Interpol or National Police for assistance. More training is required in this area. Those interviewed stated that they do not have any specific training in CITES and would benefit from a comprehensive course/workshop which covers investigating wildlife offences, trafficking and gathering information/intelligence.

3.3.2 Information Management In Mali, no wildlife crime information is being verified and analyzed by enforcement agencies. National procedures and systems for capturing and consolidating information in a secure national database on wildlife trafficking (poaching incidents, seizures, criminal activities, criminal associations, social networks, smuggling routes, smuggling methods, prosecutions and convictions) need to be developed. There is a WhatsApp group at the Hérémakono border post that links Customs, National Police, Gendarmerie, Mayor and the local Veterinarian. Since there is no electricity at the post, there was only one computer that was operating on solar power and it was used for other purposes (personal). Should information need to be transmitted urgently, the WhatsApp is used. The official system by all the agencies at the borders is that all information is to either be sent to the regional office in Sikasso for onward transmission to their administrations in Bamako or sent directly to Bamako. Interpol and the Judiciary also have WhatsApp groups which include international contacts, where they share information.

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 23 3.3.3 Intelligence Analysis There is no capacity for doing intelligence analysis, due to lack of training and the fact enforcement agencies are reactive rather than proactive when it comes to tackling wildlife. All information is handwritten into a post log and it is not known what happens to it, once it has been entered.

3.3.4 Intelligence-Led Investigations Crime intelligence is information that is requested, gathered, compiled, and analyzed in an effort to anticipate, prevent, and/or monitor criminal activity. Crime intelligence is disseminated to direct and support effective law enforcement action, investigations, and prosecution. In Mali, there is no central database for wildlife information/intelligence. Information is fractured and with different agencies. Analysis of information is not carried out for wildlife as there is a lack of skills by law enforcement agencies in this area and authorities are not sufficiently trained to carry it out. The Investigation/Intelligence Unit at the airport carries out profiling for passengers and freight but are limited to detection rather than investigation. In the North of Mali where there are problems with terrorists, the desert elephants of Gourma were being poached at a high rate for their ivory, so much so that WILD Foundation stepped in and have formed and trained an armed anti-poaching brigade. The brigade relies heavily on information from villagers along the elephants’ migratory route, so have fostered relationships with them and as a result poaching has gone down to zero.17

3.3.5 Follow-Up Investigations Follow-up investigations can include acting on information and evidence found on seized computers, mobile phones, and documents. It includes engaging with authorities in countries of origin, transit, and destination, when appropriate, to share or request information. In Mali, there is difference of opinion from law enforcement agencies on this question, with some saying little or no follow-up investigations are done and others saying there are follow-up investigations. When interviewing the Magistrate, she stated that the judicial system has the capability to investigate cybercrime and to forensically examine cellphones. We did not learn of any cases where such capability was demonstrated. Interpol have done follow up enquiries for other countries but have not been asked by enforcement authorities in Mali to do so with regards to wildlife.

3.4 SPECIALIZED INVESTIGATIVE TECHNIQUES USED TO COMBAT WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING

3.4.1 Use of Specialized Investigative Techniques In Mali, specialized investigation techniques such as domestic and international controlled deliveries, use of tracking devices, and covert operations against wildlife trafficking, have not been used by national law enforcement agencies to combat wildlife trafficking according to most law enforcement agencies.

17 https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/29/world/africa/mali-elephants-gourma.html

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 24 Customs advised us that they have the relevant laws to conduct controlled deliveries, but not the expertise or experience.

3.4.2 Forensic Technology According to the judge, the Police do have IT and standard laboratory forensic capability for checking phones, computers and fingerprints, but she wasn’t sure what else they were able to do. The team are not aware of what other forensic capabilities there are in Mali, as there were no meetings with the Police. The agencies visited had limited knowledge on evidence collection for wildlife and would welcome some training in this area.

3.4.3 Financial Investigations A financial investigation is any investigation into a person or person’s financial matters. It could also involve the investigation into the finances of a business or a private limited company. A financial investigation can determine where money comes from, how it is moved and how it is used. It may include techniques such as net worth analysis. Financial investigations may lead to asset forfeiture and possibly tax evasion and customs duties evasion charges. In Mali, there is a law that allows seizure of assets and although it is mandatory for drugs, it is not for wildlife offenses. If there is evidence of money laundering, they can seize assets. A special unit deals with this work and large amounts deposited or extracted have to be reported to this unit by the banks. The prosecutors/judges would consider seizing assets for large cases. The penalty for money laundering in Mali is life imprisonment as well as seizure of all assets, which can be sold by the Government of Mali.

3.4.4 Use of Criminal Law In Mali the Penal Code was amended by Law 036 of 2018. Unfortunately, the assessment team were unable to obtain a copy of this new code. Basically, the minimum penalty is as laid out in the earlier Penal Code. While the maximum penalty for wildlife crime is punishable according to the level of the crime, for non-protected species a fine of 25,000 to 250,000 XOF (40.00 to almost 500.00 USD) and in default 15 days to 3 months imprisonment is applicable. It is obvious from that that wildlife crime is not a high priority. Under the new law, all wildlife crimes will be punishable in the Courts. There was a stated need by the Police, Water and Forests for an education program for all citizens, so everyone is aware of wildlife crimes and the punishments available. The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, adopted by General Assembly resolution 55/25 of 15 November 2000, is the main international instrument in the fight against transnational organized crime. Law Enforcement in Mali do not currently use this convention to combat wildlife trafficking. In 2014, there was a case where cocaine was found smuggled in rhino horns. No wildlife prosecution was pursued, instead the case was dealt with under Mali Narcotic Control provisions.

3.4.5 Case File Preparation In Mali, some staff have received training on case file preparation and giving evidence. The justice system prefers settlements instead of court trials. A duly appointed court judge must give consent to any settlements between the prosecution and defendants before it is registered.

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 25 3.4.6 Case Clearance Rate And Administrative Penalties Very few cases have made it to court that anyone could recall. Several cases were dealt with by way of administrative penalties by Water and Forests, but the assessment team do not have any data on this. Capt. Sagaba Samake stated in the meeting with the assessment team that under Law 036 of 2018, there is a socio-development aspect whereby the 22 communities within the Park form a union to check on wildfires and poaching. There are two kinds of wildfires: one to keep reptiles away from the community and one for welfare. This pertains to the domestic animals that farmers have. It is against the law to start wildfires in the park and the punishment for starting fires ranges from 500,000 XOF (850 USD) or in default of payment 6 months to 2 years in jail. The punishment is calculated by the distance the fire had travelled: one square meter rates a fine of 85 cents XOF and so on. Poaching is not seen as a major problem within the National Park whereas illegal logging and wildfires are.

3.4.7 Prosecutorial Capacity In the interview with Ms Samake Oumou Elkhairou Niaré, Tribunal President, (she is similar to a court manager who allocates judges to oversee cases), she stated that in her 15 years in the justice system, she is not aware of any wildlife trafficking cases going to trial. In most cases, fines are issued. She has only seen cases dealing with illegally selling charcoal except for one occasion where a passenger was arrested with what the officer from the Narcotics Agency thought was drugs, which turned out to be rhino horn. She doesn’t know what the result was, it was in 2014. She stated that the system prefers settlements with the defendants instead of going to trial. With the introduction of a new Penal Code in Mali, all offences involving wildlife crimes can be dealt with by way of a plea and thus the defendant does not have to go to court. A judge must agree to the arranged penalty and will sign the order. Any goods seized become the property of the government and are sold. If a foreigner is arrested, they are unlikely to be granted bail, however the trial is sped up and extradition can take place. Ms Niaré offered to have a meeting with the prosecutors and Water and Forests personnel in her office to see what can be done to assist them in their work. This is viewed as a win-win for Water and Forests as she said she has seen the “men in green” only in charcoal cases but was not really sure of what they do.

3.4.8 Prosecution Guidelines Water and Forests authorities are clearly aware of the guidelines for prosecution of wildlife crime cases, and it is recommended that they should take up the offer of a joint meeting with the Judiciary to strengthen the likelihood of successful cases in court.

3.4.9 Available Penalties In Mali the penalties for wildlife trafficking are prescribed in legislation and provide for criminal prosecution. The preferred action by Water and Forests, who would be responsible for prosecutions, is to get agreement by the arrested person to pay a fine.

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 26 4.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1 TRAFFICKING ROUTES AND SEIZURES In the past 5 years, there have been only 10 documented cases involving poaching in Mali and all the poachers were Malian. There is very little data available on poaching in Mali. Customs at the airport and land border posts stated they hadn’t had any seizures in the last 3 years. There is little information on seizures involving Mali on the web, but a report by TRAFFIC on ‘Overview of seizures of CITES-listed wildlife in the European Union January to December 2017’18 mentions that shipments of small leather products of Crocodile Crocodylia spp. and Python Pythonidae spp. en route to the US from Mali were seized. Trafficking routes mentioned during meetings included: 1. Poaching and smuggling between Mali and Guinea; 2. Tortoises and other reptiles from Morocco; 3. Smuggling by post to Asia, particularly China and Hong Kong (no mention of what type of specimens); 4. Small amounts of ivory and other wildlife specimens bought in markets and going out with passengers; 5. Elephants being killed in Gourma possibly by terrorists and ivory smuggled out through the North, although this seems to have been halted at the moment; 6. Reptile skins sold to artisans in Bamako who make bags, shoes etc. and sell to tourists.

4.2 CHALLENGES RAISED BY PARTICIPANTS 1. The lack of knowledge in wildlife trafficking and CITES was raised at every meeting as a major issue. That includes the Judiciary as well as all the enforcement agencies. 2. Lack of equipment such as scanners at most of the border crossing points and no materials to help them identify species and inform the public. 3. Financial penalties given for wildlife offences instead of going through the court system is unlikely to deter traffickers, nor inspire enforcement agencies and the Judiciary to take this type of crime seriously. 4. The extremely poor working conditions under which wildlife officers, Customs and units of the National Police work under at some border posts.

18 https://ec.europa.eu/environment/cites/pdf/reports/Overview%20of%20seizures%20in%20the%20EU%202017_ FINAL%20(March%202019).pdf

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 27 4.3 PRIMARY RECOMMENDATIONS Water and Forest, Police and other bodies tasked with managing, preserving and protecting wildlife are limited by a lack of human, financial and material resources. Those involved in illegal trade and trafficking in protected species receive relatively light penalties, which shows that the issue warrants more attention. Judging from the large turn out from all agencies at each of the meetings the assessment team attended, cooperation between agencies seems very good. Their main aim should be to draw all the elements they have into a more coherent enforcement tool by developing a clear strategy on how to tackle wildlife crime both nationally and transnationally. In order to tackle the challenges identified, the assessment team and Malian participants made the following primary recommendations: 1. Ultimately a national strategy for tackling wildlife crime is required, which should link into one that is developed regionally. The strategy should include poaching as well as trafficking. It will be necessary to get all the key organizations to sign up to it, clearly define the role of each, and have nominated focal points designated to deal with CITES wildlife issues. 2. An awareness raising workshop should be held for senior managers in order for them to understand the severity of wildlife trafficking and the adverse effects it can have on a country in the long term. 3. Water and Forests need to heighten their profile amongst enforcement agencies and those involved in wildlife in any capacity. Currently, contact only seems to be made with some agencies when something is found, they need to take a lead in developing collaborative relationships with them, which means increasing the amount of liaison, sharing information and planning enforcement activities. 4. Sustainable capacity building programs (Train-the-Trainer) should be implemented with all law enforcement agencies dealing with wildlife crime. This should range from the “boots on the ground” ranger basic training to include basic first responder crime scene preservation and chain of custody evidence modules. There is a need for more fauna specialists within the National Park as there are only 10 now and there is a desire to increase this number. Specialist training would be required, and that would mean addressing the lack of funding preventing scholarships for Malians to go abroad for university training. 5. The general public in Mali are not aware of the new Law 036 of 2018. Financial resources are needed to help provide awareness of this law around the country. 6. The Judicial Tribunal President specifically asked for awareness training for prosecutors and judges, as she and they, have little knowledge about wildlife trafficking. 7. The assessment team suggests that Water and Forests meet with the Tribunal President to discuss the impending new law and consider changing how they deal with offenders and consider prosecution rather than agreeing fines with them. A bigger deterrent is needed. 8. Mr. Elhadji Baba WANGARA, Deputy Director at INTERPOL should be invited to attend the Train-the -Trainer workshop in addition to the normal delegation if funds allow. He has said he would like to include wildlife trafficking into the police curriculum, and this would help.

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 28 9. Customs should be encouraged to include a CITES section within their training program for new entrants and utilize officers, when they have undergone Train-the-Trainer training, to assist. The aim must be to make Mali self-sufficient with regards to CITES training when the program has ended. 10. There needs to be a bigger focus at entry and exit points, particularly at airports and ports which traffickers are using to smuggle out wildlife products. Establishing a network of Customs officers trained to a higher level at all entry/exit points should be considered. There are many tasks they could undertake including: 1. Acting as a link with frontline officers and keeping them updated on any latest trends, assisting them with identifications, etc. 2. Liaising with their colleagues in the network and ensuring new information is shared. 3. Ensuring detections are progressed using the methodology agreed with stakeholders and acting as the liaison point in such cases. 4. Keeping updated on trends / modus operandi and updating colleagues. 5. Dealing with confiscated specimens using agreed procedures. The airport already has a focal point, and this needs to be replicated in land border posts on the borders. 6. Public sensitization is needed so that they understand which species are protected and what the law is. Currently, most people, and probably traders, are not aware that they are breaking the law when they are selling or buying protected animals and their products. Public awareness should be a major activity within the national wildlife strategy, but resources such as posters/fliers and other educational materials will need to be funded and expert assistance may need to be provided in planning how best it can be achieved. 7. Protected animals and prohibited wildlife products banners/posters should be displayed in the arrival and departure halls at Modibo Keita International Airport, Bamako. 8. An awareness program similar to the USAID funded ROUTES program could be initiated in West Africa airports. Wildlife trafficking awareness training workshops, to also cover passenger/freight profiling, identification of wildlife products and parts, concealment methods, permit fraud and trafficking routes should be conducted at airports and should include all airport and airline staff as well as Customs. 9. More emphasis on awareness at land border posts is needed in Mali. This could involve one day workshops to include identification of trafficked wildlife products and animal parts, concealment methods, etc. and the strategic placing of posters/banners at the border posts. Billboards depicting species that are banned from hunting/trade and stating “WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING IS A CRIME; OFFENDERS WILL BE PROSECUTED” could also be strategically placed at the border crossings. 10. Education in schools is important and a strategy for how this can be done with funding for materials should be considered for Mali. 11. A protocol needs developing on how to deal with confiscated goods and their eventual disposal. A secure storage facility fit for purpose is required as a matter of urgency. The “secure storage” room at Bamako Customs is totally inadequate.

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 29 ANNEX I. REVISED PROGRAM OF THE ASSESSMENT FIELD

MISSION

Mission d’évaluation de la menace menées par les experts sous la direction de l’organe de gestion CITES du Mali 4 novembre Matin Après-midi Bamako 1. Direction nationale des Eaux et 1. Direction Générale de l'Institut d'Economie Forêts (organe de gestion CITES) Rurale (autorité scientifique CITES) 2. Direction Générale des Douanes 5 novembre Matin Après-midi Bamako 1. Bureau central national (B.C.N.) 1. Aménagement des Réserves de faunes, des d’INTERPOL Zones Humides et Parc Zoologique 2. Aéroport de Bamako 2. Réserves de biosphères et Parcs Nationaux 6 novembre Matin Après-midi poste-frontière 1. Voyage de Bamako à Kourémalé (2 3. Retour à Bamako de Kourémalé heure de route) 4. Réunions avec des représentants du (frontière avec la 2. Réunions avec les douaniers et les judiciaire (procureurs/juges) Guinée) agents frontaliers postés à Kourémalé 5. Grand Marché 7 novembre Matin Après-midi poste-frontière 6. Voyage de Bamako à Hérémakono (6 7. Réunions avec les douaniers et les agents de Hérémakono h de route) frontaliers postés à Hérémakono (frontière avec le 8. Retour, nuit à Sikasso Burkina Faso) 8 novembre Matin Après-midi 1. Retour à Bamako - Retour à Bamako Bamako 9 novembre Mise au point sur les conclusions de la mission avec l’organe de gestion – départ des Bamako experts

Threat assessment mission led by experts under the direction of the CITES Management Authority of Mali 4 November Morning: Bamako - National Directorate of Water and Afternoon: Forests (CITES management - General Directorate of the Institute of Rural authority) Economy (CITES scientific authority)

- Customs General Directorate 5 November Morning: Afternoon: Bamako - INTERPOL Central National Bureau - Development of Wildlife Reserves, Wetlands (B.C.N.) and Zoological Parks

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 30 Threat assessment mission led by experts under the direction of the CITES Management Authority of Mali - Bamako Airport - Biosphere Reserves and National Parks 6 November Morning: Afternoon: Kourémalé - Travel from Bamako to Kourémalé (2- - Return to Bamako border crossing hour drive) - Meetings with representatives of the judiciary (border with - Meetings with customs and border (prosecutors/judges) Guinea) officials posted in Kourémalé - Grand Marché 7 November Afternoon: Hérémakono Morning: - Meetings with customs and border officials at border crossing - Travel from Bamako to Hérémakono Hérémakono (border with (6-hour drive) - Return, night is Sikasso Burkina Faso) 8 November Morning: Afternoon: Bamako - Return to Bamako - Return to Bamako 9 November Review of the conclusions of the mission with the management authority - return trip Bamako

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 31 ANNEX II. LISTS OF PARTICIPANTS INTERVIEWED DURING THE FIELD MISSION

This information has been redacted in compliance with ADS 508.

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 32 This information has been redacted in compliance with ADS 508.

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 33 This information has been redacted in compliance with ADS 508.

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 34 UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 35

U.S. Agency for International Development 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20523 Tel: (202) 712-0000 Fax: (202) 216-3524 www.usaid.gov

UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO WEST AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY AND LINKAGES TO WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING | MALI 36