Published 10 January 2022
Yaoundé, 10 January 2022 - Low number of wildlife offenders prosecuted in courts; low and non-deterrent penalties; low knowledge base and capacity in interdiction, investigation, and case management skills of law enforcement (LE) officers; weaknesses in the knowledge and application of wildlife law by the judiciary; corruption and trafficking of influence in the law enforcement process are all gaps the RRG seeks to fill to curb the loss of wildlife through criminal activities.
Rapid Reference Guide (RRG) for justice and law enforcement officials for effective application of the wildlife law in Cameroon
Report author(s):
Sone Nkoke
Publication date:
January 2022
key findings
The Rapid Reference Guide and Standard Operating Procedure for Justice and Law Enforcement Officials on wildlife offences in Cameroon aims for a better understanding of the legislative framework and enhanced knowledge and competencies to conduct effective investigations and court case management as well as for collaborative reinforcement amongst these principal actors in the framework of combatting illegal wildlife trade (IWT).
Through one of its flagship projects, SLECC (Strengthening Law Enforcement Capacity and Collaboration to Combat the Illegal Wildlife Trade in Cameroon), from recommendations resulting from its capacity building sessions, interviews with stakeholders and operational staff, procedures for convicting a wildlife crime can become challenging by internal and external factors such as lack of knowledge of regulations, lengthy judicial procedures, lack of means and equipment, difficulties related to remote areas, etc. Thus, a sound knowledge of the law and its application is essential for the different Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) involved in Cameroon against illegal wildlife trade to obtain strong enforcement in court decisions reflecting an operative and efficient judicial system.
According to Denis Mahonghol, TRAFFIC’s Programme Office Director for Central Africa, “capacity building is important, but inter-service collaboration remains essential and must be strengthened at all costs.” On several occasions, His Excellency Mr Jules Doret Ndongo, Minister of Forests and Wildlife, also emphasised the “sensitisation” of all wildlife actors to ensure sustainable trade.
This guide results from the engagement of resource persons from the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife, Ministry of Justice, The Cameroon Bar Association, Civil Society, and NGOs. It addresses salient issues concerning wildlife regulations and their application in the preliminary phase during investigations, arrests, trial, and judgment phases. Additionally, it provides crucial post-justice guidance on seals management, the respect of human rights in this context and the code of ethics to be applied, as well as an overview of the protection classes A and B of animal species in Cameroon, and a model of the documents to be used for the legal administrative procedures.
This report was funded by a grant from the United States Department of State. The opinions, findings and conclusions stated herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of State.
Gift of the United States Government.
for more information:
Arlette Epanya Project Assistant - Wildlife Law Enforcement and Collaboration
