Africa caravan rallies citizens to lobby for climate justice at COP29

When protestors demanded a just energy transition from fossil fuel use to renewable energy during the COP28. [Mactilda Mbenywe, Standard]

In a new push for climate justice, Africans across the continent are rallying behind victims of the climate crisis, and demanding that the upcoming COP29 summit addresses the urgent need for climate finance without adding to the debt burden on struggling nations.

Speaking in Nairobi at the pre-launch of Africa Climate Caravan dubbed 'a drumbeat towards COP29 Baku' (Azerbaijan), Azara Remalia from Congo explained the movement's push towards broadening and strengthening climate justice across the continent.

"We need to make sure that climate finance for adaptation and transitions does not add to the debt burden on African nations," stated Remalia.

The call reinforces the Africa Group of Negotiators' stance, which is pushing for a climate finance goal of at least $5.9 trillion by 2030.

For a long time, the financial strain of climate change has been felt most acutely by the poorest communities on the continent.

And now, African stakeholders are uniting to develop a common position and a unified voice in pursuit of climate justice for communities in one of the most impacted regions.

The African Citizens' Caravan for Climate Justice, which includes 571 regional, national, and sub-national civil society organisations from 21 African countries, will complement the positions of African nations before and during COP29.

Remalia said the caravan's goals include mobilising local communities, social justice movements, and national leaders to ensure that African realities and aspirations are prioritised at COP29.

Activist Sena Alouka from Youth for the Environment, Togo, explained that the caravan's strategy involves engaging with national delegates to ensure they advocate for climate finance mechanisms that are equitable and accessible.

"We are also emphasising the importance of transparency and accountability, urging governments to follow through on previous commitments made at past COPs," she added.

The Caravan intends to use digital campaigns, petition drives, and public mobilisations aimed at gathering widespread support.

Its actions are backed by data. According to recent reports, African nations require trillions in climate finance to meet their adaptation needs, yet they are often forced into debt to secure these funds.

The activists are now pushing for new finance goals that prioritise grants and concessional loans over traditional debt-creating models.

The lobbyists are expected to hold multiple events leading to and during COP29, to ensure that Africa's demands for climate justice are front and center on the global stage.

The Caravan, scheduled from September 1st to November 15th, will feature a series of activities across different countries, including online and offline events at strategic climate gatherings in Africa and at COP29.