Animal welfare organisations have hailed the Africa-wide prohibition on the contentious donkey skin trade, which will outlaw the slaughter of donkeys for their hides across the continent.
The demand for donkey skins, driven by the popularity of Ejiao, an ancient Chinese medicine made from donkey hides, has led to a devastating impact on donkey populations worldwide, particularly in Africa and South America.
Leaders of African states endorsed the ban during the African Union summit in Ethiopia on Sunday, marking a significant step towards curbing the trade.
The Donkey Sanctuary charity described the trade as “brutal and unsustainable,” highlighting its destructive consequences on donkey populations and the communities reliant on them, especially in Africa and South America.
While Ejiao is believed by some to possess anti-ageing and health benefits, such claims lack scientific evidence. Chinese companies producing Ejiao initially sourced donkey hides from within China. However, dwindling donkey numbers prompted them to turn to overseas markets.
Dr. Solomon Onyango from the Donkey Sanctuary in Kenya explained that initially, African governments viewed this trade as an opportunity, leading to the establishment of numerous legal slaughterhouses. However, the consequences were dire, with approximately half of Kenya’s donkey population slaughtered for the trade between 2016 and 2019 alone.
Dr. Onyango expressed optimism that the ban would play a key role in safeguarding donkeys and the livelihoods of millions dependent on them across Africa.
A significant proportion of the global donkey population, estimated at 53 million, resides in Africa, where they are vital for transportation, water carriage, and the sustenance of rural communities.
A recent study in Ethiopia underscored the economic significance of donkeys, demonstrating how owning one could transform destitution into a modest livelihood for many.
Raphael Kinoti, regional director of the animal welfare organisation The Brooke in East Africa, hailed the ban as a terrific moment for African communities that have relied on donkeys for generations. He emphasised the erosion of livelihoods and cultural identity resulting from the donkey skin trade and urged all African Union members to uphold the decision for the greater good.
