By Abdullahi Lukman
Rural communities along the Malawi-Zambia border are pursuing legal action against the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) over the relocation of more than 260 elephants in 2022.
The communities claim that the relocation has resulted in severe damage, including the deaths of at least 12 people, injuries, and destruction of crops and property, totaling millions of dollars in losses.
The local residents argue that while they support conservation efforts, they cannot continue to live in fear of the elephants.
A community spokesperson emphasized the need for the IFAW to take responsibility and compensate for the damages caused by the project.
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In response, the IFAW expressed regret over the human-wildlife conflict but denied any wrongdoing.
The organization stated that the relocation project was managed by the Malawi government, with IFAW’s role limited to providing financial and technical support.
The case has brought attention to the ongoing struggle to balance wildlife conservation with the well-being of local populations.
The communities have enlisted British law firm Leigh Day to represent them, and the firm has already issued letters to IFAW’s branches in the UK, Malawi, and Zambia.
If a resolution is not reached, the firm intends to file a claim in a British court.
