Conflict & Resilience Monitor – 29 November 2024

In May 2018, the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU-PSC) embarked on a pivotal journey. Recognising the profound security implications, the PSC initiated a critical study on the nexus between climate change and conflicts in Africa. This effort was further endorsed by the AU Assembly, in its February 2022 and 2024 sessions, which reiterated the imperative for developing a comprehensive Common African Position on Climate, Peace, and Security (CAP-CPS).

November— a month that marks a pivotal moment for young people, symbolising more than the ceremonial commemoration of the African Union (AU)’s African Youth Month (AYM). It also represents a profound call to action at the nexus of climate security, generational agency, and continental transformation. It has been bookended by significant global engagements such as South Africa’s upcoming G20 presidency in 2025. This is not merely a diplomatic milestone for the country’s growing economy, but also a strategic opportunity to “pave the way for sustainable finance and debt reform in global governance” supported by the AU’s established permanent seat. This has also been an opportunity to amplify and engage with policy contributions from the voices of a continent’s most dynamic demographic; young people, on matters relating to multilateralism, trade and industry, climate change, peacebuilding and conflict mediation amongst others.

As Africa navigates an urgent transition to sustainable energy, the continent grapples with the dual challenges of exploiting its rich fossil fuel resources while fostering the growth of renewable energy projects. While these efforts are crucial for economic growth and energy access, they often come with unintended consequences, including exacerbating conflicts within communities and across borders. Both fossil fuel extraction and large-scale renewable projects have been shown to contribute to local and regional tensions, as competition for resources, environmental degradation, and socio-economic disparities ignite long-standing grievances.

Like many other countries, Zambia faces the urgent and complex challenges posed by climate change. Drought-induced food and water shortages can increase tensions within and between communities. Climate action must be conflict-sensitive and contribute to strengthening social cohesion, resilience and adaptive capacity in Zambia.