By Nelson Manneh
The Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) convened its annual general retreat on Monday, February 10, 2025, bringing together representatives from across the continent to evaluate progress and chart the path forward in Africa’s climate justice movement.
PACJA, a coalition of civil society organizations advocating for Africa’s voice in global climate negotiations, has long positioned itself as a leading force in ensuring the continent’s concerns are heard on the world stage. Each year, the alliance’s Governing Council gathers for a strategic planning retreat to review policy direction, governance structures, and advocacy efforts.
This year’s retreat, themed “Fostering Teamwork for Effective Pursuit of Climate Justice in a Multipolar World,” underscored the alliance’s commitment to unity in tackling the pressing challenges of climate change.
Omar Manjang, a representative of PACJA’s Gambia chapter, described the retreat as a “true reflective session” where members shared experiences, success stories, and strategies to navigate the shifting landscape of global climate policy.
“The event provides an opportunity for the Continental Secretariat to report to the people of the continent and adopt the annual reports,” Manjang said. “National Designated Platforms (NDPs), which serve as the movement’s grassroots representatives in their respective countries, also shared their progress, best practices, and challenges.”
The discussions highlighted key governance issues, including accountability, strategic policy development, and the need to strengthen Africa’s position amid geopolitical shifts. Participants noted concerns such as shrinking donor funding, the rise of right-wing movements, and climate shocks exacerbating vulnerabilities across the continent.
In response, members called for a renewed focus on strategic repositioning and urged African leaders to adopt sustainable pathways for resilience-building. The retreat concluded with a strong appeal for increased collaboration among civil society organizations to enhance climate accountability and economic justice across Africa.
“This engagement reaffirmed our collective responsibility to push for climate resources and policies that deliver tangible benefits for the people of Africa,” Manjang said.
