Tanzania pulls lucrative hunting permit

Tanzania has revoked a hunting permit for Abu Dhabi-based Green Mile Safari, which runs safari hunting operations around Lake Natron, for alleged violation of game hunting rules. The firm is linked to the UAE’s ruling family. Natural Resources and Tourism Minister Hamisi Kigwangallah cited violations of wildlife hunting regulations, including the killing of wild animals not specified in its hunting licence. The East African reports that he further accused the UAE firm of failing to pay the local communities $144 000 in concession fees over the past two years. The company is also accused of employing minors. However, Green Mile Safari has denied the allegations, blaming them on a smear campaign. The government in June introduced the electronic auctioning of hunting blocks to promote transparency and allow it to collect more revenue and ensure closer monitoring of hunters in game reserves.

Full East African report