Greenpeace Africa – Director of Communications Nanfadima Cisse has called for the creation of specialised environmental courts and tribunals to help communities seek redress to environmental harms.
Ms Cisse said justice must be at the forefront of addressing current global challenges.
She emphasized the importance of international collaboration, noting that they work closely with climate justice movements and people from around the world towards achieving social justice and integral ecology.
Ms. Cisse pointed out that the global conversation is focused on transition, referencing COP28 in Dubai where nations committed to moving away from fossil fuels.
She stressed that Africa needs a comprehensive transition in its food systems, energy sources, and development models, which have historically hindered progress.
Ms Cisse was speaking during the 2024 Environmental Protection Dialogue (EPD) organized by the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) in Lusaka.
She expressed concern that Africa is being overlooked despite the “leave no one behind” mantra.
Ms Cisse said as COP29 in Azerbaijan approaches, she called on affluent industrialized nations to embrace their moral responsibility and commit to creating an ambitious and expansive climate finance framework.
She said this framework should empower African nations to implement mitigation and adaptation strategies to avert further loss of life and property.
Ms. Cisse highlighted the ongoing climate crisis in vulnerable communities, noting the loss of land and resources.
She urged African leaders to establish a common goal and agreement for a global system shift, insisting that polluters must be held accountable.
Ms. Cisse concluded by thanking the CEJ for their efforts and expressed her eagerness to continue working together to protect the environment and demand justice for communities across Africa.
