
Congo
The Congo Basin is home to forest elephants, which are smaller than savanna elephants. Both species are being killed at alarming rates for their tusks: Poaching of forest elephants drove a 62 percent decline in their numbers from 2002 to 2011, according to one estimate, and it’s believed that nearly 30,000 savanna elephants are slaughtered every year. The contraband ivory ends up in shops around the world, particularly in China, Japan, the U.S., and Europe, where it’s often carved into artwork and tchotchkes.
Kingpins and high-level dealers can reap hefty profits selling black market ivory, which one report estimates wholesales for $330 a pound in China. At the other end of the supply chain, poachers are often impoverished villagers, who make pennies in comparison.
Capitalizing on the Baka’s impoverishment and forest wisdom, traffickers have been drawing them into the increasingly sophisticated and organized global ivory business. In exchange for meagre fees or even just a pack of cigarettes, Baka have been guiding professional poachers to elephants.
Congo Radio Stations
TLa Radiodiffusion Télévision Congolaise or RTC, is the state broadcaster of the Republic of the Congo.
RTC National
RTC Régional
Africa No. 1
RFI Afrique
Hit Radio Congo