Zambian woman arrested in Ethiopia

A Zambian woman has been arrested in Addis Ababa Ethiopia for wearing ivory bracelets.

Ruth Mwale aged 46 was arrested at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa this morning on her arrival from Bangkok, Thailand enroute to Zambia.

Ms Mwale becomes a second woman to be arrested in Ethiopia for wearing ivory bracelets. Last week a Zambian female student was arrested and fined 600 US DOLLARS for wearing ivory bracelets.

Zambian Ambassador to Ethiopia Albert Muchanga has expressed concern at the increasing number of Zambian women being arrested in Ethiopia for wearing ivory bracelets.

Mr Muchanga has advised Zambians travelling to Ethiopia not to carry or wear any processed ivory products to avoid being arrested.

He has noted that some Zambians wear ivory bracelets as a symbol of cultural identity but has advised that when travelling to Ethiopia or transiting through to other countries, such products should not be worn or carried on board.

The Ethiopian law against the ivory trafficking carries a five year maximum jail sentence or a fine of $ USD 1,800 (one thousand eight hundred United States dollars).

Mr. Muchanga has reiterated that Zambian nationals travelling to Ethiopia are expected to adhere to this law to avoid being inconvenienced or risk having criminal records.