Communities across Africa demand end to fossil fuel “colonialism”

Environmental groups across Africa have delivered a unified rejection of fossil fuel expansion, warning that the continent will not serve as a dumping ground for global polluters.

From the Niger Delta to the coastal town of Lamu, from Johannesburg’s streets to Dakar’s neighborhoods, communities joined the global Draw the Line mobilisations this week, declaring: Africa will not be a sacrifice zone for fossil fuels.

The actions were part of more than 600 demonstrations across 85 countries, including over 100 in Africa. Thousands of Africans rallied against fossil fuel expansion, corruption, and corporate capture—while highlighting alternative solutions such as community-owned renewable energy, food sovereignty, and democratic accountability.

Protesters connected the climate crisis to Africa’s everyday struggles with food insecurity, energy poverty, unemployment, and shrinking civic space. Their message: climate justice cannot be separated from democracy, human rights, and peace.

As the world prepares for COP30, activists say Africa’s demands are clear—end fossil fuels, unlock real climate finance, and center communities in the global transition.

The mobilisations stretched across the continent. In Nairobi, a carnival of music, costumes, and banners denounced fossil fuel colonialism. In Johannesburg, workers, youth, and faith leaders marched, linking energy injustice to the soaring cost of living. In Cotonou, activists turned public spaces into murals and performances condemning oil and gas expansion.

“These mobilisations are about more than survival. They are about reclaiming culture, community, and hope,” said 350.org in a statement on Sunday. The international environmental group, which has organisers in more than 188 countries, campaigns to end fossil fuels and build a grassroots movement for renewable energy.

Who said what

Regina Baiden, Africa Regional Director of 350.org, said Africa is already paying the highest price for a crisis it did not cause.

“Africa is on the frontlines of a crisis we did not create, yet we are paying the highest price through floods, droughts, cyclones, and heatwaves. This week, our communities have drawn the line and said: no more fossil fuel colonialism, no more debt traps, no more false solutions. We are demanding a just transition that puts people before polluters, prioritises renewable energy that is community centered, and guarantees our right to live in dignity.”

Christian Hounkannou, Africa Francophone Organiser at 350.org, stressed the devastating impact of fossil fuels on Africa’s land, water, and food systems.

“Fossil fuels are destroying lands, poisoning body of waters, and threatening food systems in Africa, while ordinary people are left in poverty. What we are building instead are African solutions like solar projects that power schools and hospitals, agroecology that sustains our farmers, and people-led movements that defend our democracy.

This mobilisation is just the beginning. As we head into COP30, our demand is simple but urgent: cancel illegitimate debt, make polluters pay their climate debt, and fund the transition our people deserve.”