By LOVIISA CHILUFYA
DESPITE the global attention on climate issues, the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) says it remains deeply concerned about the credibility of COP28, given the alarming ties between the COP President-designate Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber and the fossil fuel industry.
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Recent allegations of the COP President-designate leveraging the conference to cut oil and gas deals around the world have cast a dark shadow over the proceedings.
PACJA Communication and Knowledge Management Manager, Fidele Niyigaba said the institution maintains its rejection of the suitability of Sultan al Jaber to lead COP28 proceedings and urges all parties to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and impartiality, ensuring that the outcome of COP28 truly reflects the global commitment to combat climate change.
“Africa, with its negligible contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, continues to suffer disproportionate impacts of climate change. We call for immediate and substantial action to address the glaring lack of sufficient adaptation measures for the continent.
Any credible COP decision must recognise and rectify the historical injustice faced by African nations,” Mr Niyigaba said.
He said PACJA is also deeply concerned about the decision to host the loss and damage fund under the auspices of the World Bank, an institution laced with a history of presiding over policies that have led to the catastrophic economic decline of countries in Africa.
Mr Niyigaba also said, PACJA calls on COP28 to prioritise the enhancement of the global stock take mechanism, fostering a comprehensive and fair evaluation of global efforts to tackle the climate crisis.
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