The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice expresses its deep concern and grief over the killing of a crocodile reportedly donated to President Adama Barrow during his ongoing nationwide tour. According to reports, this wildlife gift was presented by the Gambia Hunters Association in Sandu Kirau Arrafang.
We deplore the fact that this is now the second instance in which a precious wild animal has been willfully killed in order to be offered to the President. In October 2023, a hippopotamus was killed on the orders of the Department of Parks and Wildlife and subsequently delivered as a gift to President Barrow at his private residence in Mankamang Kunda.
These actions constitute a flagrant violation of the Wildlife Conservation Act 1977, which strictly prohibits the killing, possession, and trafficking of protected species. Moreover, they contradict The Gambia’s regional and international commitments to the preservation and protection of wildlife, including obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
EFSCRJ therefore holds President Adama Barrow personally responsible for these illegal acts, given that he has willingly accepted the gifts without holding the perpetrators accountable. By accepting these prohibited wildlife trophies, the President is effectively encouraging and normalizing the willful killing of wildlife for entertainment, an act that undermines the rule of law and further weakens the country’s environmental governance framework.
We hereby call on President Barrow to immediately reject and return the remains of the crocodile and to uphold his oath of office by protecting and enforcing the laws of The Gambia. The President must demonstrate leadership in safeguarding our natural heritage and not enable its destruction.
We further urge the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management and the Inspector General of Police to launch independent investigations into the killings of both the crocodile and the hippopotamus, and to prosecute all perpetrators in accordance with the law.
The duty to preserve and protect the environment, including our flora and fauna, lies with the Government. It is therefore an abuse of power and a disregard for the law for the President to accept gifts obtained through illegal wildlife killings.
EFSCRJ stands firm in its commitment to defend the rule of law, environmental justice, and the protection of The Gambia’s biodiversity. We call on all citizens, civil society organizations, and relevant authorities to take effective measures in ensuring that such violations never occur again.
2025 – The Year of Transparency and Accountability
