Shared African strategy aims to tackle climate-fueled conflicts

African governments are jointly developing a Common African Position on Climate, Peace and Security to address the growing risks that climate change poses to peace and stability across the continent.

Climate change is indirectly worsening security problems by causing failed harvests, shrinking water supplies, and more extreme weather events. These environmental stresses increase competition for land and water, heightening tensions between communities such as farmers and pastoralists, particularly in the Sahel, West Africa, and the Horn of Africa.

Additionally, repeated droughts in southern Africa have led to crop failures, livestock losses, food shortages, and reduced household incomes. Climate-related disasters displaced over 2.5 million people in Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe during 2021 and 2022, further straining jobs and public services.

These challenges compound existing issues like political instability, violent extremism, organized crime, and weak governance, which have contributed to protests, unrest, and military coups since 2020. The Common African Position aims to foster coordinated regional responses to these intertwined climate and security threats.

Researchers Gracsious Maviza and Katongo Seyuba emphasize that while climate change is rarely a direct cause of conflict, its impact on livelihoods and resource availability significantly increases the risk of violence and displacement. The success of this new framework depends on effective implementation and cooperation among African states.