Gambian authorities have intercepted 22 containers of Rosewood logs a month after the country banned timber export to combat illegal logging of protected woods. 

A source who spoke to Gambiana said the containers were being prepared for shipment out of the country when the authorities were tipped off. 

Minister of environment, climate change and mineral resources Rohey John Manjang described the act as “unfortunate” and vowed to prosecute anyone violating the timber export ban 

“As I said it before that we need collective approach to fight this illegal activity. But I am happy that some Gambians are willing and ready to support the government. 

“And be rest assured that as I am concerned, we are not going to spare anybody. We are waiting for the security people to give us their report,” she said.

Ms Manjang added: “We already received quite a number of information, but we want to keep it to ourselves for now and wait for the security to give us their investigative report. 

“I know it’s a big gang, but we are determined to serve The Gambia. And so long as we are determined to serve The Gambia, we are not afraid.”

Gambiana understands that police have launched an investigation and will soon bring charges against the offenders.

The Gambia is consistently among the five largest global exporters of protected Rosewood (Pterocarpus erinaceus), despite declaring its own stocks close to extinction almost a decade ago.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba