Can the new leadership of the AU Assembly create opportunities for the Congo Basin Rainforest?
The 38th African Union (AU) Summit, held in Addis Ababa last week, marked a pivotal moment in the continent's pursuit of unity, justice, and self-reliance. Under the theme "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations," the assembly addressed historical injustices, leadership transitions, financial autonomy, and ongoing security challenges.By Dorine Nininahazwe, Senior Political advisor, Greenpeace Africa
For the first time, the AU placed reparations for slavery and colonialism at the forefront of its agenda. The AU’s interrogation into these issues reflects a broader global movement that is starting to platform the enduring impacts of historical injustices on African societies. One of the biggest and most catastrophic of those injustices is how Africa’s environment, from forests to lakes to the oil beneath its soil have been torn up to benefit the Global North
The Congo Basin covers over 500 million acres spread across six countries and is host to a substantial amount of Africa’s terrestrial biodiversity. It provides livelihoods to more than 75 million people, including Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, as well as being a massive carbon sink that is crucial in the global fight against the climate crisis.
A significant highlight of the summit was the election of Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). Local and Indigenous Communities, whose lives are being threatened on a daily basis due to forest abuse exploitation have their eyes on the new management of the AU. Is this merely another change in leadership, or can we anticipate a tangible solution from them that truly respects the rights of those powerful voices who tirelessly work every day to safeguard African forests? Now is the perfect time for African decision-makers to understand what steps they need to take to ensure that real changes are happening on the ground.
The rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities must be officially acknowledged. These groups are the stewards of the Congo Basin forest. Their long-standing traditions and extensive understanding of the ecosystem enable them to coexist with nature while sustainably managing forest resources. Unfortunately, they are frequently excluded from conversations and decisions regarding forest management, conservation funding, and the legal recognition of their rights. As the Congo Basin forest faces mounting threats from deforestation, illegal logging, infrastructure development, mining, and agricultural expansion, protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities is essential not only for justice but also as a strategic necessity for the forest’s sustainable protection and restoration in the long run.
Funds must be allocated to the key players in forest protection, particularly Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC). In a significant development, African leaders have endorsed the creation of the African Financial Stability Mechanism (AFSM), a continental fund aimed at averting potential debt crises. Managed by the African Development Bank, the AFSM seeks to lessen dependence on external donors by providing concessional loans to member countries, fostering economic stability. This initiative marks a strategic transition towards financial independence, allowing African nations to tackle economic issues with increased autonomy.
Effective and fair management of this financial mechanism requires the involvement of local communities. Access to direct funding is essential, as Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities often face obstacles when seeking financial support for conservation efforts due to bureaucratic hurdles that do not align with their governance structures, a lack of technical expertise, or inadequate recognition by financial institutions. Transforming this situation will empower them to carry out conservation initiatives, restore ecosystems, improve sustainable livelihoods, and participate more actively in decision-making processes.
One of the defining traits of the African continent has always been its people’s remarkable ability to coexist harmoniously with nature. This aspect is crucial and must be a focal point in every development policy. It is commendable to explore strategies aimed at improving living conditions, but these efforts will falter if we fail to prioritize essential elements like forests. Picture a vibrant city that becomes unlivable due to extreme heat or frequent flooding. No one wants to envision such a scenario, but it is the sad reality we are already dealing with. The necessity to secure funds for local communities is more than crucial if we want to address this vital challenge.
