African Union Bans Trade in Donkey Skins

In a landmark decision, the African Union has Banned the trade in donkey skins, protecting millions of animals and the livelihoods of countless communities across the continent. This ban, approved at the recent AU summit in Ethiopia, marks a significant victory for animal welfare and sustainable development.

The demand for donkey skin has been driven by Ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicine made from boiled donkey hides. With China’s own donkey population dwindling, the industry turned its focus to Africa, leading to a brutal and unsustainable trade. Donkeys, crucial for transportation and basic needs in many rural communities, were stolen, slaughtered, and their skins exported, leaving devastation in their wake.

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“The trade has been decimating donkey populations around the world, particularly in Africa,” says Dr. Solomon Onyango of the Donkey Sanctuary in Kenya. “In Kenya alone, we lost half our donkeys between 2016 and 2019.” This decline directly impacts millions who rely on donkeys for their livelihoods, carrying water, food, and goods, often representing the difference between poverty and survival.

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Animal welfare charities like The Donkey Sanctuary and The Brooke applauded African Union for banning Donkey Skins trade, calling it a “terrific moment” and a crucial step towards protecting both donkeys and the communities they serve. Raphael Kinoti, regional director of The Brooke, emphasizes the wider impact: “Donkey slaughter has eroded livelihoods, robbing Africa of its culture, biodiversity, and identity.”

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The success of African Union’s law on Donkey Skins trade hinges on effective enforcement by individual member states. Concerns remain that illegal trade routes may emerge, requiring continued vigilance and cooperation. However, the AU’s decision sends a powerful message: Africa will no longer tolerate the exploitation of its donkeys and the communities they support.

This victory offers hope for future generations. With donkeys protected, families can continue to rely on these vital animals, ensuring their essential role in rural economies and cultural traditions. The ban on the donkey skin trade is a significant step towards building a more sustainable and equitable future for Africa.

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