No more coal! No more oil! Keep the fossils in the soil’ AfDb March, in Nairobi - Africa Day
Africa Day is an opportunity to celebrate African diversity and success, and to highlight the cultural and economic potential that exists on the African continent.On this day, May 25th 2024 dozens of climate activists took to the streets of Nairobi, Kenya to protest for climate liberation.The protesters called for the African Development Bank (AfDB) to stop financing fossil extraction across Africa. The march started at Nyayo Stadium and proceeded to Uhuru Gardens, Freedom Corner.
The organizers of the action was one of our partners Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Franciscan Africa (JPIC-FA) whose work is supported with the mission to promote joint actions on issues that are important to the Franciscans in Africa.
The African Development Bank (AfDB), established in 1964, is a key regional institution committed to fostering sustainable economic growth and reducing poverty in Africa. It provides vital financial resources, including loans, grants, and technical assistance, to support diverse development projects spanning infrastructure, agriculture, energy, transportation, water, sanitation, and social services. Moreover, the AfDB promotes policy dialogue and coordination among African countries and development partners through research, policy analysis, and advocacy efforts, aiming to strengthen the capacity of African governments to address key development challenges effectively.
The protesters took to the streets to demand accountability, transparency, inclusivity and justice in the development projects and investments of the AfDB following the Bank Group's 2024 annual meetings to be held from May 27th - 31st in Nairobi Kenya.
At the end of the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), the European Union and world leaders recommitted to delivering the Paris Agreement goals and limiting the global average temperature increase to 1.5 Celsius. They agreed to accelerate emission reductions towards net zero by 2050, with urgent action in this critical decade. This includes transitioning away from fossil fuels and reducing global emissions by 43% by 2030.
Positive economic growth and increasing energy demand are forecasted for the continent between 2030 and 2050.Africa can leapfrog the transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy sources to sustainably address these forecasts.
Heavy rains and devastating flooding, prolonged drought, famine and heat waves are some of the effects being felt in Africa more frequently as a consequence of climate change. All this can be blamed on emissions from burning coal and fossil fuels. The AfDB funding such projects is causing destruction of the environment along with its people.
It is upon us to save our country, our continent and our planet from fossil fuel extraction. Don’t be left behind, join the struggle, let’s have climate liberation.
#We want climate justice now! #Fix the finance! #Fund our future! #End fossil fuels! #People over profit!
By Lynn Kamande
Africa Regional Organiser for 350 Africa
