A Statement from Malawi’s Information Ministry reads as follows:
“The Government of Malawi planned to burn the 4 tonnes of seized ivory as part of this year’s commemoration of the World Wildlife Day as indicated in an earlier press release that went in the media informing the general public about this event.
Government regrets to advise that there is a slight change in the programme of the event as a consequence of new information that has emerged. The commemorations will proceed as planned.
But the burning of the ivory has been postponed because Government has been advised that another 2.6 tonnes of ivory is still in the system as exhibits awaiting conclusion of cases which are pending in the courts.
Once these cases are concluded, all 6.6 tonnes of the ivory will be destroyed all together at a time and date to be announced in future.
<
p style=”padding-left: 60px;”>While Government remains committed to fight wildlife crime, including protection of iconic species of elephants and rhinos, which are key for tourism promotion in Malawi, it is important that the entire stockpile of ivory is destroyed once and for all”.
