Actions across Africa calling for urgent solutions to the dual crises of climate change and COVID-19
September 24, 2020
Africa-wide -- Youth climate strikers under the banner of Fridays for Future have called for a Global Day of Climate Action on September 25th.
In response to this call youth leaders, civil society groups and grassroots movements are organizing actions across the continent to send a powerful message to the leaders that there is need for a just recovery.
Key Activities by Country:
KENYA
On September 25th and 26th, there will be graffiti installation in Mathare, Nairobi, followed by a community dialogue on climate impacts and its mitigation. Press contact: Ndereva Mutua Mwende, nderevamutua884@gmail.com, +254 790 657087
On September 25th, there will be a live virtual concert to launch the Afrika Vuka song by local artists aimed at mobilizing young climate activists to join the climate movement. Press contact: Steeve Kezamutimakezamutimas@gmail.com +254 700 576154
On September 25th, there will be a march and virtual strike targeted towards the Ministry of Trade and US Embassy in light of the recent US - Kenya trade deals posing to rekindle the once banned plastic use in Kenya to ensure that the plastic ban stays in place. Press contact: Eric Damienericdnjuguna@gmail.com +254 719 555133
UGANDA
On September 25th, there will be a film screening in Kasese highlighting oil exploration and its impacts. Press contact: Edwin Mumbereedwinfantam@gmail.com +256 773 558257
On September 27th, the Uganda Little Hands Go Green will be hosting a virtual Green Kids Festival to bring together all the young green ambassadors to speak about the conservation of Bugoma forest and the environment as a whole. Press contact: Joseph Masembemasembe@littlegreenhands.org +256 756 249000
BURUNDI
On September 25th, a march followed by a music concert will take place in Gitega by Espoir Scout Burundi. Press contact: Jean Claudescoutespoirmagarama@gmail.com +257 79 91 47 19
On September 25th, over 900 students will come together in Kinindo, Bujumbura to raise awareness on climate change impacts and renewable energy. Press contact: Audrey Habonimanaaudrey.habonimana@rutareinitiative.org +257 69 86 88 00
EGYPT
On September 25th, the Green Society Alexandria will unveil an animated video to create awareness of the climate crisis in Egypt as well as push the message for a need to build back better after the crisis. Press contact: Asmaa Hanafiasmaahanafi22@gmail.com +20 102 230 1723
DRC
On September 25th, in Kinshasa, painters will join youth activists to draw and design posters with Just Recovery messages while calling for a stop to oil exploration in Virunga. The artwork will then be shared on social media during a twitter storm and delivered to the President of the Republic and Minister of Energy. Press contact: Andre Moliroandremoliro2@gmail.com, +243 811 607 726
On September 26th, an open day for climate action will take place in Goma, bringing together youth, civil society will be held to call for a stop to oil exploration in Virunga. Press contact: Ephrem Bwisheephrb@yahoo.fr, +250 786 772 165
CAMEROON
On September 25th, a film screening will take place at the University of Yaounde to raise awareness on climate change impacts focusing on the vulnerability of women and renewable energy as an alternative. Press contact: Félicité Djoukouo, felicite.djoukouo@gmail.com +237 75787046
GHANA
On September 25th, the group 350 GROC will be organizing a virtual debate on renewable energy in Ghana and a just recovery post COVID. Press contact: Portia AduMensah350groc@gmail.com +233 26 268 5618
TOGO
On September 25th, there will be a movie screening in Lome to showcase the effects of coal and renewable energy opportunities in Togo. Press contact: Esso Pedessiessoklnam@gmail.com +228 90 96 32 91
BENIN
On September 25th, a Women’s March for Climate will take place in Lalo to raise awareness on climate justice and the potential of renewable energy. Press contact: Maimouna Adamou, ongjupd@gmail.com +229 99992562
The climate youth movement was sparked by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg's solo protest in August 2018. Now is a year on from the biggest climate mobilisation ever last September. The 25th will be the movement's first major street protest of 2020 in many countries, and Fridays For Future have announced protests in over 3000 locations around the world.