Madagascar authorities have arrested 19 individuals, including a Tanzanian suspect, in connection with illegal tortoise trafficking, following a major operation in December 2024. This crackdown, which led to the detention of 13 men and 6 women in Antananarivo, also resulted in the arrest of four Chinese nationals in Tanzania. Despite ongoing efforts by environmental groups like Voahary Gasy Alliance, challenges may arise due to the U.S. halting a $10 million funding program in January 2025, impacting future conservation initiatives.
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Africa: Civil Society Needs a Role in Mali’s Security Reforms
Security sector reforms in Mali, initiated in 2013 following a crisis, have been hindered by lack of political prioritization, corruption, and limited civil society involvement. Despite ongoing efforts to strengthen security institutions and address governance issues, challenges persist, including the exclusion of separatists from the reform process. Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a crucial role in overseeing SSR activities, but face obstacles such as limited capacity and government interference. Greater collaboration and communication among all...
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