Ouagadougou Launches “Keep Your Promise” Climate Justice Campaign

Ouagadougou – In Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, a significant advocacy campaign titled “Keep your promise” was launched on Friday by Zalissa Paré/Salambéré, the president of the special delegation of district 12. This campaign aims to remind polluting countries of their commitments to climate financing.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the campaign’s launch aligns with the goal of raising awareness among various socio-professional organizations about the challenges of climate change. The initiative emphasizes collective responsibility and the urgency of addressing the planet’s plight due to climate change. Paré/Salambéré spoke about this crucial issue during the campaign’s inauguration, underlining the need for combined efforts in the pursuit of climate justice.

The “Keep your promise” campaign, focusing on responsibility for climate justice, operates under the theme: “Mobilize and amplify the voices of communities on the front lines of the climate crisis to ensure accountability for climate justice at COP28”. Paré/Salambéré called for organizing a panel to effectively address climate inequalities, gender justice, and the responsibility of polluting countries in climate justice.

Highlighting the severity of climate change impacts on Africa, Fatoumata Diallo, president of the Pan-African Alliance for Climate Justice (PACJA) Burkina, urged authorities and communities to engage in the fight for climate justice. She emphasized that the workshop serves as an advocacy platform to the authorities for more involvement in climate change issues and to empower young voices at COP28 to seek increased financial support for Africa.

“Our leaders and local authorities need to commit to protecting and supporting civil society and communities most affected by climate change,” Diallo stated, emphasizing the necessity for stronger commitments in climate action.

Oureratou Kambou/Ouédraogo, the coordinator of PACJA Burkina, mentioned that the campaign is a part of a larger pan-African activity spanning 51 countries. The aim is to amplify Burkinabe civil society’s voice until the conclusion of COP28, scheduled to be held in Dubai from November 27 to December 12, 2023. Kambou/Ouédraogo also called for increased financial, technical, and technological resources to enable Africa’s adaptation to climate change.

To effectively adapt to climate change, Kambou/Ouédraogo argued for the necessity of doubling climate finance and creating real access to funds, especially for countries like Burkina Faso.

El Hadj Ablassé Compaoré, the traditional chief of the village of Koulgandogo, highlighted the adverse effects of climate change on agricultural production, emphasizing the campaign’s relevance in addressing these issues.

The “Keep Your Promise” campaign represents a collective call for action, urging nations and individuals to fulfill their climate commitments and work towards a sustainable future.