‘We demand for a decolonisation of Africa’s economy and development agenda, a repayment of climate debt and delivery of much-needed money to Africa for Climate Adaptation and losses and damages, as well as real solutions to this gripping problem the continent faces’
No fewer than 500 African civil society organisations have issued seven hard-hitting demands on their governments and wealthy nations as the African Climate Summit kicks off in Nairobi, Kenya, next week.
The African People are demanding for justice, decolonisation of the continent’s economic systems and repayment of climate debt.
They are also demanding for an end to energy capture, an immediate stop to fossil fuel projects and rejection of false solutions in a move that is set to put the plight of over 900 million people in the global spotlight.
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The seven demands highlighted include:
. Decolonise the economy and development.
. Repay climate debt and deliver the money.
. No false solutions.
. Build global solidarity, peace and justice.
. No new fossil fuels.
. New commitments for international cooperation.
. End energy agency capture, and energy system capture.
To raise awareness on the challenges Africa is facing with climate change, The Real Africa People’s Climate Summit has organised a march in Nairobi on September 4, 2023, which brings together diverse stakeholders from various struggles and movements across Africa.
On behalf of the Real Africa People’s Climate Summit, Hardi Yakubu, from Africans Rising, stated that Africans were tired of leaders and governments paying endless lip service to Africa on the impact of climate change on its people.
“We demand for a decolonisation of Africa’s economy and development agenda, a repayment of climate debt and delivery of much-needed money to Africa for Climate Adaptation and losses and damages, as well as real solutions to this gripping problem the continent faces,” Hardi Yakubu said.
Statistics show that Africa has been thrust into a never-ending cycle of poverty, hunger, undue exposure to climate-induced disasters, and ever-dwindling investment in adaption and mitigation measures due to climate change.
“It is a serious indictment on world leaders and corporations that African people continue to disproportionately experience the devastating impacts of climate change for no fault of their own,” Lorraine Chiponda from the Africa Movements Building Space said.
Between 600-900 million people are facing systemic food and water shortages, debilitating poverty, and lack of access to energy or clean energy, forcing them to escape from their homes and migrate from their countries due to climate change.
The Real Africa People’s Climate Summit is a key part for the upcoming wave of global mobilisations and will include the March to #EndFossilFuels fast, fast, forever in New York City on 17th September 2023 as world leaders attend the United Nations Secretary General’s Climate Ambition Summit.
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