Despite the hit of the 3rd wave of Covid-19, we remain united in action for climate, locally, regionally, and globally. In that regard, the office of Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation Franciscans Africa in collaboration with members of Laudato Si Generation in East African countries joined the Friday for future global action on 19th March 2021.
The message was clear on that day” No empty promises”. We can no longer believe in what politicians say, while sickness, drought, floods, and hunger are still a reality in many parts of the world, but there is no enough commitment from the governments to prevent or to assist victims.
East African youth got a reason to keep the pressure on their government because it is all about their future. Some governments are still pushing for oil, gas, and coal mining projects while in many developed countries that have been stopped. However, East African governments have shown how possible it is to fight a global pandemic especially during Covid-19, and in a similar way for climate justice, the same efforts and resources can be used to promote clean energy in order to ensure a just recovery.
Espoir scout group in Burundi, Click to view Blog link, Pictures and Video SOPRODE DRC/Bukavu link photos
Kenya, CUEA Students, Pictures and Video
The countries which managed to take action are Kenya, Burundi, and DRC/ Bukavu. Tanzania which use to do a great mobilization did not make it this time due to the death of President John Pombe Magufuli.
Pope Francis and Gretta Thunberg are our role models, and we congratulate churches’ institutions that have already declared their Divestment commitment. In Kenya, we acknowledge The Catholic University of Eastern Africa for being among the first biggest Catholic Institutions to Divest. Through the Friday for future action, it was an opportunity to call upon again all Catholic institutions even non-Catholics to stop investing any of their money in Fossil fuel, especially Coal.
Though Kenya is in lockdown now, Our partners remain vigilant and in solidarity with victims of the climate crisis, as well as victims Covid-19. May God brings healing to people and the planet.
We shall overcome!
Steeven Kezamutima
Laudato Si Generation Member
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