Despite bans and international agreements, The Gambia continues to grapple with the illegal trade of rosewood, a highly valuable timber species. Between 2012 and 2020, approximately 1.6 million rosewood trees were exported from The Gambia, often in violation of international regulations.
A former trafficker, now a forest guard, revealed the operation of a clandestine network that smuggles rosewood from The Gambia and Senegal’s Casamance region to China. Local communities cut the trees, which are then sold to dealers who bribe officials to transport the timber through backroads to ports. The trade is fueled by poverty, weak border enforcement, and alleged corruption among officials.
For over four decades, the Casamance region has been a key source of illegally traded rosewood, with separatists in the region using proceeds to fund their insurgency. During Yahya Jammeh’s presidency, the trade surged, with his company, Westwood Gambia, accused of exploiting timber resources and supporting the Casamance conflict.
In 2022, a total ban on rosewood felling, transport, and export was implemented across Africa. However, smugglers have adapted, collaborating with local and international players to bypass restrictions. While enforcement has increased, many traffickers continue to evade detection.
The Gambian government has taken steps to combat the trade, including permanently revoking timber permits, enacting stricter forestry laws, and collaborating with Senegal on joint patrols and intelligence sharing. Despite these measures, the illegal trade persists, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement and community engagement.
Efforts to address the root causes of illegal logging, such as poverty and lack of economic opportunities, are also underway. The Gambia’s agroforestry strategy aims to strengthen natural resource management and promote sustainable development. However, implementation challenges remain, underscoring the complexity of eliminating the illegal rosewood trade.
