#AfrikaVuka Uprising: 48hours of incredible hope and determination

#AfrikaVuka, a call for climate justice and the end of fossil fuel use in Africa. Last week, we saw continent-wide events and protests demanding action on the climate crisis. While several events were cancelled due to their ‘political’ nature in Uganda, Kenya and Senegal,  these obstructions by authorities in both countries paled in comparison to how communities from Nairobi, to Cairo, Kinshasa to Cape Town showed leaders the way to fight climate change:

These #AfrikaVuka actions coincided with Africa Day and Global Youth Strikes for Climate, where school students demanded action to prevent further global heating and climate change. Communities across the continent are fighting for the future, as record storms, droughts and flooding devastated entire regions. Africans can no longer ignore the fact that they have contributed the least to the climate crisis but are already experiencing its worst impacts. We need a sustainable path for our future and the solution is simple, We must stop using fossil fuels.

#AfrikaVuka is a campaigning platform aimed at uniting and supporting citizens, communities, organisations and coalitions working to build a future which is free from the destructive impacts of the climate crisis across Africa. You can be a part of the movement here.

 

by mamadou

We’re days away from rising up calling on our leaders to fight climate change.

We’ve seen throughout history that movements that promote progressive social change have been driven by ordinary people dedicated to leading when governments have failed. People power leading the way has become even more relevant as the effects of climate change have begun to unravel across Africa, as leaders across the length and breadth of the continent prop up the importation and exploitation of fossil fuels.

As part of Africa Day, on May 24-25 we will see the determination of people, in communities across Africa rise up against new fossil fuel exploration, and developments - showing leaders the way to fight climate change. So far there have been over 50 events registered across the continent calling on their leaders to commit to building a fossil free Africa that puts people and justice before profits.

The movement against new fossil fuel developments is global and extremely pertinent to the future of our planet. Here’s a snippet into what will be happening in Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa on the 25th:

  • Nigeria: To mark the Afrika Day of Action, GIFSEP intends to mobilize at least 20 Senior Secondary Schools in Abuja to produce and deliver climate-conscious and justice messages on one parachute and other colourful paintings. This parachute and painting will be delivered through a march towards the parliament building asking the members of parliament to pass the climate bill and lead Nigeria on the road to climate justice.

  • Senegal: A huge rally gathering at least 1500 citizens composed of youth, women, traditional chiefs, religious leaders, local authorities, CSOs and NGOs is planned in Bargny to denounce the Bargny coal plant project and to call the Senegalese President to demonstrate a stronger leadership role in fighting against climate change and promote renewables.

  • South Africa: Communities affected by mining, and those in support of these communities, will be marching to the Union Buildings in Pretoria. A memorandum calling for a national ban on fracking in South Africa will be handed over to the President and to the Minister of the Department of Mineral Resources.

There will be dozens of other events taking place across the continent on May 24-25th. Check out this map and join an event near you!   

Our collective futures depends on us being able to seize this moment and work together to pushback against the fossil fuel industry fuelling the climate crisis and for long-lasting and meaningful change.

 

by mamadou

Break Free 2018 - Here's What Happened!

On Friday, people across Africa stepped up their commitment to keeping fossil fuels in the ground with courageous actions that have challenged business as usual across Africa.

Click here to see photos from Break Free actions that happened on Friday!

Lephalale, South Africa. Photo by Greenpeace Africa, Shayne Robinson, 25 May 2018

Break Free stood up to the proposed coal-fired station in Lamu, Kenya - told the Development Bank of Southern Africa to not fund Thabametsi, or any more coal projects in South Africa - reached out to communities in the Eastern region of Ghana (Dome, Asayansu, Kwesi Kunde, Fori) to promote and distribute renewable energy solutions.

With powerful actions involving people across the continent, Break Free from Fossil Fuels took the fight directly to the fossil fuel industry and showed just how powerful we can be when we act together.

Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo

The only way we’ll defeat the fossil fuel industry, which is wrecking our climate is if we all come together to show it up for what it is: an immoral and dangerous industry that is at odds with a safe future.

Lamu, Kenya

As the planet becomes dangerously hot, our greatest collective hope is that this movement continues to grow in size, strength and boldness. Friday showed what we can accomplish together.

Abuja, Nigeria

In every country that took action on Friday -- Cote D’Ivoire, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Zambia, Senegal, Kenya, Togo, Uganda, Ghana -- organising against fossil fuels and for renewable energy will continue, stronger than ever.

Because people everywhere see the writing on the wall: the planet is heating up, renewable energy is becoming more affordable, and the fossil fuel industry is entering a financial crisis, the time has come to stand up to its power and pollution.

Bargny, Senegal

This movement will continue to grow in all of its forms: divesting from fossil fuels, blocking fossil fuel extraction and transportation, passing fracking bans, stopping new coal plants, ending fossil fuel subsidies, and securing commitments build a 100% renewable economy.

But our work does not end here. The need for a rapid transition to renewable energy has never been more urgent, and the way we get there is by continuing to organise, mobilise and campaign.

Even though Break Free 2018 is now over, you can get involved in climate campaigns and mobilisations by signing up to the deCOALonise.africa platform mailing list, or getting involved in the global mobilisation, Rise for Climate.

by mamadou