Morocco Calls from Addis Ababa for a Coordinated African Approach to Link Climate and Security
On Thursday, Morocco reiterated that climate change is no longer merely an environmental challenge but a pressing factor affecting stability in various regions of the African continent. It urged for the enhancement of climate governance mechanisms within the continental space in a more coordinated and effective manner.
During a virtual session of the African Union Peace and Security Council dedicated to discussing the intersections of climate and peace, the Moroccan delegation emphasized the need to intensify cooperation among relevant African bodies. This cooperation aims to formulate a collective response capable of mitigating security risks associated with climate transformations.
Morocco considered that climate imbalances significantly impact the most vulnerable groups, particularly communities that rely on subsistence agriculture and traditional fishing as their primary sources of livelihood. It warned that the decline in natural resources and water scarcity threatens food security and increases the likelihood of social tensions and displacement.
Reflecting on its trajectory in this domain, the delegation reminded attendees of the country’s hosting of the first African Climate Change Summit on the sidelines of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 22), alongside launching structural initiatives aimed at enhancing African countries’ capacity to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Morocco also called for adequate support for African island nations, enabling them to implement their climate plans and ensure the sustainability of their food systems, given their particular vulnerability to rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
The Moroccan delegation stressed that the current phase necessitates a transition from diagnosis to action. This involves enhancing the exchange of experiences, transferring technology, prioritizing early warning systems and disaster risk reduction mechanisms, as well as seeking innovative funding solutions that support climate action.
It concluded by underscoring that integrating climate governance into the core of joint African policies is a fundamental lever for building a coherent preventive approach capable of safeguarding security and stability on a continent facing complex challenges that extend beyond climate alone.
