AU-IBAR Signs MoU with International Coalition of Working Equines to Preserve Donkey Species in Africa

16 December 2024

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today by AU-IBAR and important partners from the International Coalition of Working Equines (ICWE), including Brooke, The Donkey Sanctuary, SPANA, and World Horse Welfare. This marks a significant milestone for ICWE. Raphael Kinoti, Regional Director of Brooke East Africa, was among the senior AU-IBAR and ICWE representatives present at the ceremony.

The partnership between AU-IBAR and the ICWE highlights a common goal of enhancing animal welfare in Africa, with a particular emphasis on protecting donkey species from the escalating skin trade. This partnership is in line with the larger goals of AU-IBAR, which aim to improve animal welfare and governance through initiatives like the Africa Platform for Animal Welfare (APAW) and the African Animal Welfare Strategy (AWSA).

Key Highlights of the Agreement
Under the MoU, the ICWE partners will jointly provide funding to support critical initiatives, including:
1.    Resource Mobilization for Advocacy: Co-funding advocacy efforts for a unified African position on donkey preservation.
2.    PADCo-2 Preparations: Facilitating logistics and effective participation in the Pan-African Donkey Conference (PADCo-2) in 2025.
3.    Strategy Development: Supporting the recruitment of a donkey species expert and validation of a strategy and action plan at key AU meetings.
4.    AU Summit Endorsement: Advocacy missions to secure adoption of the strategy and a moratorium on donkey skin trade by the 2026 AU Heads of State Summit.

A Legacy of Collaboration
Today’s agreement builds on AU-IBAR’s extensive work with partners to promote sustainable livestock management and animal welfare. ICWE members, through their technical expertise and funding, have been key in advancing resolutions such as the 2022 Pan-African Donkey Conference outcomes, which highlighted the urgent need to address the risks facing donkeys across the continent.
A Unified Vision

Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “This collaboration reflects our collective dedication to safeguarding Africa’s animal resources. Together, we aim to implement sustainable solutions that not only protect the donkey species but also enhance livelihoods dependent on these animals.”
AU-IBAR and ICWE reaffirm their commitment to working collaboratively to achieve the goals outlined in the MoU, setting a precedent for advancing animal welfare in Africa.