Against hazardous waste in Africa

Bamako, 26^th June 2013: The First Conference of the Parties to the Convention of Bamako took place from June 24 – 26, 2013. Adopted in 1991 by in Mali, the Convention of Bamako is in response to article 11 of the Basel Convention which encourages bilateral, multilateral and regional Cooperation between countries. It came into force in force in 1998. 29 States have signed and 24 have ratified the Convention. Case of 2006 Probo Koala Ship in Cote D’Ivoire Though the treaty was signed more than a decade ago, it has faced severe financial problems going into force. In the meantime, Africa has continued to be the dumbing ground of toxic hazardous waste. The case in point is the Probo Koala Spectrum and the hundreds of people who died was a result of the chemical waste. Despite the dedication of the international community to regulate the production, sale and, transportation of the chemicals, the African continent still remains a dumping ground. This situation is the result of a lack of regulation and also because of porous borders. Speaking during COP, Bakary Kanté, the director of the Conventions of the United Nations Programme for the Environment (UNEP), said : « Nothing is impossible, it simply requires goodwill. There is no two Africa, but one Africa. » Highlighting the fact that UNEP is headquartered in Africa, he said, his organization gave technical and financial assistance to organize the First Conference of Parties of the Bamako Convention. Mali’s Minister of Environment, Ousmane Ag Rhissa said that the fact that the conference was organized amidst the ongoing crisis in his country demonstrates the determination and commitment of Africa to bring the importation of Hazardous waste to an end. Talking about the importance of regional cooperation challenges – he said “the purpose also is to manage the waste and dangerous products that we are producing at home in harmony with others International Conventions on chemical substances which our countries are Parties to.” Despite the international financial crises, Switzerland provided financial support to this first African Convention. Also present in Bamako was Secretary of the Convention of Basel, Stockholm and Rotterdam, Melle Marylène Beau. The High level Segment was attended by several environmental minister and experts from different countries. A strong appeal was made to other countries to ratify the Convention so that together, nations can put an end to the importation of Hazardous, toxic and radioactive waste across the continent. Cote D’Ivoire shall host the second COP in March 2015. By Ibrahima Fall Junior et Houmi Ahamed-Mikidache African Network of Environmental Journalist ( ANEJ)