Greenpeace reaction to the statement of the Senegalese Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs

Press release - October 23, 2012

Greenpeace welcomes the announcement by the Senegalese government that it will follow-up on the fishing authorizations that resulted in the plunder of pelagic resources of the country between 2010 and 2012.

In its report called "The Plunder of a nation's Birthright" Greenpeace highlighted that these authorizations, in addition to being illegal, have been granted with a complete lack of transparency .

Worse still, this case has resulted in loss of about 8 billion FCFA for Senegal and endangered the livelihoods of thousands of people.

“Mr. Pape Diouf, the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs issued that statement in a press conference. In so doing he is meeting the expectations of the civil society, including Greenpeace, who asked for an inquiry into this case in order to hold those responsible accountable”..

Greenpeace calls on the Government of Senegal to put an end to the culture of impunity in the management of fisheries resources for the welfare of the Senegalese people.

Contact:

Ahmed Diamé, Greenpeace Oceans Campaigner Africa. Tel: 221 77 333 8993. ahmed.diame@ greenpeace.org
Bakary Coulibaly, Communications Officer Greenpeace Africa. Tel: 221 773 33 6265.