By Suleman Chitera
The Centre for Economic and Development Initiative (CEDEDI) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to address rising human-wildlife conflicts in Kasungu, Malawi, following the relocation of elephants to the area.
According to CEDEDI’s Executive Director, Sylvester Namiwa, IFAW relocated 263 elephants from Liwonde Game Reserve to Kasungu National Park in 2022. However, he says the organisation failed to implement adequate protective measures for surrounding communities.
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Rising Human-Elephant Conflicts
Namiwa revealed that so far, 12 people have lost their lives, while 8 elephants have been killed in retaliation. In addition, hundreds of households are facing food shortages as elephants continue to destroy crops, leaving families vulnerable to hunger and poverty.
“We demand that IFAW builds strong barriers to stop elephants from entering villages, provides food aid to affected families, and compensates those who have lost loved ones,” said Namiwa.
CEDEDI’s Key Demands to IFAW
Construction of secure fencing or barriers to prevent elephants from encroaching into human settlements.
Food relief for communities facing hunger due to crop destruction.
Compensation for families who have lost relatives in elephant attacks.
Background of Elephant Relocation
In 2022, IFAW relocated hundreds of elephants to Kasungu as part of a conservation project aimed at reducing pressure in Liwonde. While the move was celebrated as a major step in wildlife conservation, CEDEDI argues that the human cost of the project has been overlooked.
The Bigger Picture
Human-wildlife conflict is an emerging challenge in Malawi, as conservation efforts expand. While elephants are critical to the ecosystem, their growing numbers are increasingly bringing them into direct conflict with people, raising concerns about community safety, food security, and compensation frameworks.
Conclusion
With only 14 days on the clock, communities in Kasungu are waiting to see how IFAW will respond. The pressure is on to find a balance between wildlife conservation and human safety, ensuring that the people living on the frontlines of conservation do not continue to pay the highest price.
