Gold trafficking: Madagascar customs union calls for resources
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Madagascar Tribune
The Syndicate of Inspectors of Madagascar Customs is calling for investigations to establish responsibility after several gold-trafficking cases, including seizures in Ivato. The union denounces accusations targeting the entire administration and wants more resources, as five customs officers and two security officers are implicated.
The Syndicate of Inspectors of Madagascar Customs (SIDM) is calling for investigations based on legal procedures and additional resources for border controls, as gold-trafficking cases fuel criticism of the customs administration, according to Madagascar Tribune. The union is asking for individual responsibility to be established and rejects the idea that suspicions involving some officers should discredit all customs officials. However, it does not oppose investigations or sanctions against officers found guilty.
The SIDM estimates that about 700 officers are currently carrying out customs duties at the borders, an insufficient workforce given the extent of the controls. A recruitment examination has been announced to strengthen the teams. The union is also calling for clarification of the responsibilities of the services tasked with border security in order to distribute responsibilities more effectively.
The position comes after nearly six kilograms of gold were intercepted in Ivato on 13 September, leading to five customs officers and two airport security officers being implicated. It follows the arrest on 22 October of a Chinese national carrying 2.85 kilograms of gold at Ivato airport, reported in the arrest of a Chinese woman in Ivato.
