AGAEZI NATIONAL UNION (ANU)

PRESS RELEASE

Urgent Call for Immediate Action to Save the Prickly Pear (Beles) of Agame from Cochineal Infestation

Date: 3 July 2026

The Agaezi National Union (ANU) expresses its grave concern over the alarming spread of the highly destructive cochineal infestation affecting the prickly pear cactus (Beles) throughout Agame. Recent field observations indicate that this invasive pest has now reached the central areas of Agame, posing an immediate threat to one of the region’s most valuable ecological, economic, and cultural resources.

Credible evidence, including video documentation provided by concerned community members and field observations conducted by individuals familiar with the situation and members of the Geez Intelligence Agency (GIA), confirms that the infestation has reached an alarming stage. Reports from recent site visits indicate that, unless urgent containment measures are implemented immediately, the prickly pear population across Agame could face widespread destruction within the next two to five years.

For generations, the prickly pear has served as far more than a fruit-bearing plant. It has been an essential source of food security, livestock fodder, environmental protection, household income, and ecological resilience for thousands of families throughout Agame. It also forms part of the cultural landscape and agricultural heritage of the region. Its destruction would therefore represent not only an environmental disaster but also a severe humanitarian and economic crisis affecting rural livelihoods.

ANU believes that this challenge transcends political differences and demands a united community response. The protection of Beles is the responsibility of every citizen, every farmer, every community leader, every researcher, and every institution concerned with the future of Agame.

Accordingly, ANU calls for the immediate establishment of an Emergency Beles Protection Task Force composed of agricultural experts, universities, local communities, environmental specialists, civil society organizations, and relevant public institutions. The primary objectives of this task force should include:

• Conducting an urgent scientific assessment of the spread of the cochineal infestation.
• Implementing emergency containment and control measures.
• Coordinating public awareness campaigns across all districts of Agame.
• Mobilizing local communities for surveillance and early detection.
• Seeking technical assistance from national and international agricultural research institutions experienced in managing cochineal infestations.
• Developing a long-term strategy for the restoration and protection of the prickly pear ecosystem.

ANU further calls upon community associations, local leadership structures, youth organizations, women’s associations, researchers, media outlets, and digital content creators to ensure that this crisis receives the attention it deserves. Social media platforms, local media, and community networks should be utilized to educate the public, encourage early reporting, and mobilize volunteers.

We also respectfully appeal to the traditional and community leadership of Agame to provide leadership in coordinating a united response. Our communities have already endured numerous hardships. We cannot afford another preventable disaster that threatens food security, livelihoods, and future generations.

ANU issues this statement as an early warning. Tomorrow, no one should be able to say, “We were never informed,” or “We did not know the seriousness of the danger.” The warning is being issued today because immediate action can still prevent irreversible damage.

Today, ANU officially calls for the launch of a region-wide initiative:

“Campaign to Save the Prickly Pear of Agame.”

Let us unite across all communities and institutions to protect this invaluable natural heritage before it is too late. Through collective action, scientific cooperation, and community solidarity, we can preserve the prickly pear for future generations.

Protect Our Environment. Protect Our Livelihoods. Protect Agame.

Agaezi National Union (ANU)

Executive Committee

Geez Intelligence Agency (GIA)