Nairobi: The Coalition for Cruelty-Free Africa (CFCFA) has raised strong objections against the proposed execution of baboons as a response to human-wildlife conflict in Nech Sar National Park, Ethiopia.
According to Cameroon News Agency, the coalition argues that killing wildlife is not a sustainable solution and fails to address the root causes of the conflict. They emphasize that such actions could undermine the conservation efforts for primates, which are one of humans' closest living relatives.
CFCFA stresses the importance of primates as intelligent and social beings that contribute significantly to maintaining healthy ecosystems. The coalition asserts that the real problem lies not with the primates themselves but with the growing pressure on shared landscapes. They advocate for protection and support for communities living alongside wildlife, rather than resorting to violence against animals.
The coalition calls for the Ethiopian authorities to halt any planned executions and instead collaborate with conservation scientists, local communities, and credible animal protection organizations. They suggest focusing on humane, evidence-based solutions that promote peaceful coexistence, such as education, community engagement, effective non-lethal deterrents, habitat protection, improved land-use planning, and investment in conflict prevention.
CFCFA believes that the future of conservation is contingent upon the willingness of people to live responsibly alongside wildlife, rather than resorting to the slaughter of animals. They emphasize that compassion, coexistence, and conservation should be the guiding principles in addressing human-wildlife conflicts.