By Ojugbele Omotunde
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The Africa Group of Negotiators (AGN) has firmly stated its position, declaring that it will not accept any outcomes at COP28 unless Africa’s priorities are adequately addressed.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the group urged African nations to leverage all available resources, including fossil fuels, emphasizing the need for a robust adaptation framework, comprehensive implementation support, and substantial consensus funding to facilitate a just transition.
Collins Nzovu, a member of parliament from Zambia and the Minister of Environment and Green Economy, highlighted the critical importance of a Global Goal of Adaptation Framework aligned with Africa’s top priorities. He underscored the need for ambitious, time-bound targets, accompanied by clear means of support for implementation across all 54 African nations.
“Without addressing Africa’s foremost priorities, specifically a Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) framework, we will not reach any agreement. The GGA framework must include ambitious, time-bound targets with unequivocal support for implementation if we are genuinely committed to safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems,” Nzovu emphasized.
Nigeria’s delegation argued that the IPCC report emphasizes the importance of considering local circumstances, resources, and socio-economic contexts when determining a net-zero emission pathway. They asserted that compelling Africa to phase out fossil fuels is unacceptable and emphasized Nigeria’s dedication to technology transfer and capacity building, crucial elements for tripling renewable energy.
In response, Landry Ninteretse, Regional Director of 305Africa.org, highlighted the imperative of addressing the adverse effects of fossil fuels on local communities. He emphasized that industrialized nations can expedite the transition, leveraging Africa’s abundant renewable energy resources to tackle energy and climate challenges. Ninteretse stressed the need for fairness and differentiation in the energy transition, advocating an end to neo-colonialist and extractivist practices associated with fossil fuel extraction.
He called for a shift in focus towards urging developed nations to provide substantial and favorable financing for a swift and equitable transition away from fossil fuels, rather than advocating for the exploration of polluting fossil fuels. The emphasis lies on fostering a sustainable and just energy transition that prioritizes the well-being of local communities and the environment.
