Pan-African Parliament Charts Path to Climate Justice at COP29: From Participation to Leadership

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) on Wednesday, during its Fifth Ordinary Session, received and deliberated on the Report of its participation in the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 17–22 November 2024. The report was presented by Hon. Sakata Tawab Garry (Democratic Republic of Congo), Chairperson of the Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment.

Delivering the report, Hon. Garry emphasized that climate action is no longer optional for Africa, it is existential. “Climate issues are a determining factor for the future of our continent and our children,” he stated, urging PAP to institutionalize its role in global climate governance.

Elevating Africa’s Climate Voice

Led by Third Vice President Hon. Lúcia Maria Mendes Gonçalves dos Passos (Cabo Verde), the PAP delegation engaged with key stakeholders such as the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) and the African Group of Negotiators. The delegation was recognized for its emerging leadership in advocating climate justice and pushing for equitable and increased financing for adaptation and resilience.

Hon. Garry presented seven strategic recommendations to strengthen PAP’s future participation:

1. Dedicated PAP budget for COP participation
2. Clear guiding principles for activity coordination and engagement
3. Formal collaborations with climate stakeholders
4. Global advocacy campaigns for African climate priorities
5. Capacity-building initiatives for MPs on climate oversight
6. Post-COP feedback systems for institutional learning
7. Annual PAP Climate Summit to shape African parliamentary positions

“PAP’s participation is more than symbolic, it must shape outcomes. Let us not be guests at global forums but architects of Africa’s climate future,” Hon. Garry concluded.

Interventions by Members

Hon. Abdallah Barkat Ibrahim (Djibouti): “We Need to Plan, Not React”. He decried systemic limitations, particularly last-minute planning and limited AU-provided slots:

“Africa cannot afford to be invisible. PAP must be a frontline voice in global climate action.”

Hon. Fateh Boutbig (Algeria): “Coordinate Globally, Act Locally”

He praised PAP’s media strategy and called for stronger alliances with global parliaments and better representation in preparatory meetings like the Panama Summit.

Hon. Mohammed Amroun (Algeria): “The Law is Our Weapon”

He emphasized international legal tools, including recent ICJ opinions empowering countries to sue major polluters, and called for the creation of an African Climate Court.

Hon. Fama Ba (Senegal): “Unite Parliaments for Food and Climate Justice”

She proposed a pre-COP summit of African parliamentary leaders and urged PAP to lead Africa’s push for food sovereignty and sustainable industrialization.

Hon. Houssein Mohamed Ali (Djibouti): “COP29 Must Be Our Turning Point”

He presented three bold demands:

1. Direct access to climate finance
2. Skills and tech transfer
3. Equal negotiating power
   He also called for a PAP climate oversight mechanism to track national implementation.

Hon. Mohammed Segres (Algeria): “Time for Measurable Results”

He called for Africa-specific climate strategies, criticized vague deliverables, and highlighted Algeria’s green hydrogen ambitions.

Hon. Cheniti Awatef (Tunisia): “Demand Respect. Demand Inclusion.”

She questioned the exclusion of PAP from key AU forums and called for the establishment of an Africa-focused Green Fund that serves the continent first.

Hon. Fatoumatta Njai (The Gambia): “Women, Youth, and Global Partnerships”

Njai championed inclusive delegations and urged PAP to leverage networks like the Climate Parliament for financing and influence.

Hon. Danson Mungatana (Kenya): “Let Legislation Be Our Strength”

He advocated showcasing PAP’s legislative tools like the Model Laws on Climate and Soil Management at COP29. He emphasized PAP’s oversight role in climate finance.

Closing Reflections and Way Forward

In his response, Hon. Garry welcomed all interventions and confirmed their incorporation into future strategies. He announced ongoing legislative work, including the finalization of the Model Law on Soil, scheduled for plenary debate.

PAP President H. E. Chief Fortune Charumbira clarified that delegation expansion depends on national parliamentary support.

“If your country will sponsor you, PAP will write to your parliament. Budget is the only constraint.”

Next Steps Include:

• Finalization of the COP29 Report
• Institutional adoption of members’ recommendations
• Preparations for COP30 in Brazil
• Advancing model legislation, especially on soil and climate governance

From Representation to Leadership

The debates affirmed PAP’s strategic transition from passive observer to active leader in global climate discourse. With the right support, inclusive planning, and unified voice, the Pan-African Parliament is poised to become a continental catalyst for climate justice.

“We must not react. We must prepare. We must legislate. And we must lead.” — Hon. Sakata Tawab Garry