Africa should speak with one voice on climate change – President Mnangagwa 

Africa should speak with one voice on climate change – President Mnangagwa

Nevanji Munyaradzi Chiondegwa

President Mnangagwa has called for a relook into the manner in which developing countries vote on matters relating to climate change.

In his speech at the ongoing Cop27 in Egypt, President Mnangagwa called against the isolation of countries during negotiations saying a bloc would have more bargaining power.

President Mnangagwa said the 77 countries plus China should speak with one voice, so that there is equal power on the drafting table when matters are being agreed upon.

In a spirited speech today at the Sharm-Sheik Climate Implementations Summit, which had an audience including President Abdel Fattah El Sisi of Egypt, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and other Heads of State from around the world.

President Mnangagwa said, “We meet at a time when the impact of climate change continues destroying people’s lives and livelihoods in every part of the world. It is opportune that this COP27 is being held on the African Continent. Our voice must be heard, as too, should our demands and expectations. We must unite as a Continent and speak with one voice,” said President Mnangagwa.

President Mnangagwa said that there is need for concrete actions with those responsible for most of the climate crisis listening and prioritising climate finance to help prevent disasters and climate victims recover.

He also said commitments made and those that continue to be made, can only make a difference when acted upon.

Turning to Zimbabwe, President Mnangagwa said; “Mr. President, the agriculture sector which is key to Zimbabwe’s economy is facing a serious threat from climate change. My government is implementing various programmes, including extensive dam construction projects towards climate change adaptation and mitigation for sustainable food and nutrition security. Further, Zimbabwe is expanding the production and use of renewable energy.”

President Mnangagwa made a commitment that Zimbabwe will see greenhouse gas emissions curbed to 44.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2030.

He also said the country has also integrated gender issues in the Revised Nationally Determined Contributions.

President Mnangagwa however lamented the effect of sanctions on the country’s climate goals saying, “Greater progress would be made on our climate goals were it not for the albatross of illegal economic sanctions imposed on our country. We demand the immediate lifting of these unwarranted and punitive sanctions.”

He reiterated that Zimbabwe is committed “to be a friend to all and an enemy to none”, and is ready to play its part in addressing climate change and other challenges that face the world.

He ended his speech by making a rallying call to the developing world to speak as one on climate change.

“In conclusion, at this COP 27, let us from the developing world act as a countermanding bloc of victims of climate change. We need to negotiate and vote in a block, through the Group of 77 plus China. Only then are we likely to carry the day. We can and must, act now to secure a healthy planet for the present and future generations,” President Mnangagwa said.