BANGUI, (Reuters) – Authorities in Central African Republic are chasing heavily armed ivory smugglers who have threatened villagers as their caravan of donkeys carries tusks northwards, officials said yesterday. The gang entered Dekoa, a town around 60 km (40 miles) from Mala in the centre of the landlocked country, early yesterday.
“This armed gang and more than a hundred donkeys loaded with elephants’ tusks arrived in Dekoa and fired several shots, which scattered the population,” said regional governor Dieudonne Badawapi.
“The decision has been taken to intercept this gang,” said a security official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“This is the first time a gang as numerous, and carrying as many tusks, as this one, is crossing the country,” said Joseph Bolbo, chief of orest and water management.
