NGO sued after Malawians killed by elephants

People living on the edge of a protected area in Malawi are taking legal action against an NGO that moved more than 250 elephants into the area, which they say have killed at least 10 people, reports The Guardian. Villagers near Kasungu national park, which is Malawi’s second largest and crosses the Zambian border, say they are living in fear for their livelihoods and safety after 263 elephants were introduced in July 2022, causing a sharp spike in human-wildlife conflict. Ten people claiming to be affected by the translocation from Liwonde national park have begun legal action against the International Fund for Animal Welfare (Ifaw), demanding that the conservation NGO construct adequate fencing to protect the 167 villages around the park and compensate local people for the damage caused by the elephants. More than 50 children were orphaned between July 2022 and November 2024 as a result of the translocated elephants, according to local communities. The UK law firm Leigh Day has been instructed to act on behalf of the 10 people against Ifaw in the UK, Zambia and Malawi, potentially bringing the case to the High Court in England. Claimants have not been named so far to protect their identities. In a statement, Ifaw said it had received notice of legal action in December and rejected allegations of wrongdoing. A spokesperson said that Malawi’s Government had overall responsibility for its national parks. Ifaw provided technical and financial support, following international best practice while moving the elephants, they said. The elephant translocation was among the largest of its kind. It was a three-way operation between Malawi’s national park service and two NGOs: Ifaw and African Parks.

Full report in The Guardian