Hot SourceDelegates at the African People’s Counter-COP (APCC) in Cotonou, Benin, have declared Africa’s climate fight a justice demand, not a plea.
The gathering brought together over 100 representatives from 20 countries, calling for an end to extractivism and a new Africa-led climate framework.
The event, organised by the African Climate Justice Collective (ACJC), brought together activists, farmers, indigenous leaders, women’s groups and youth movements who say that Africa’s priorities are being sidelined in official UN climate talks.
“The climate crisis ravaging Africa is not our fault; it is a debt owed by the Global North,” said ACJC Coordinator, Rumbidzai Mphalo.
Delegates at the Benin gathering argue that while Africa has contributed little to greenhouse gas emissions, it is facing some of the worst effects of climate change, including drought, flooding and land loss.
Participants issued a Declaration setting out nine demands, including climate reparations, a halt to fossil fuel extraction, the rejection of carbon offset schemes, stronger land rights through Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and direct climate finance for communities rather than international banks.
They also called for investment in local food systems, community-led renewable energy and policies that protect people displaced by climate impacts.
The meeting was held ahead of COP30, which will take place in Brazil next year, with campaigners urging African governments to present a united negotiating position focused on justice and equity.
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