The Road So Far: The African Caravan’s Journey
The African Caravan is a living narrative of a continent demanding its seat at the global table. Our mission to bring grassroots voices to the world stage has taken us through incredible highs, unexpected detours, and profound moments of reflection. Here is a snapshot of the road so far.
Ethiopia: Culture, Climate, and Connections
Our journey began with a powerful stop in Ethiopia. Beyond the official summit, we were immersed in a culture rich with history and resilience. The conversations around the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) highlighted the complex intersection of national development, regional politics, and climate change—a perfect example of the African challenges we aim to elevate. The summit itself was a success, connecting us with fellow climate activists and key policymakers. These connections are vital, laying the groundwork for the policy shifts we advocate for.
Back to the Roots: Kenya and the ‘Draw the Line’ March
From Addis, we returned to Kenya, immediately diving back into the grassroots. We connected with incredible organizations from informal settlements like Kibera, the very communities Mtaa Safi Initiative CBO represents. The highlight was the ‘Draw the Line’ march, a powerful display of solidarity where we engaged with various stakeholders and civil society organizations. This action was a crucial reminder that our global advocacy must always be rooted in local action and community empowerment.
The Detour: From Tanzania to the Pearl of Africa
Our planned route to Tanzania was abruptly halted. Due to the political atmosphere, road closures, and unavailable bus services, we had to reroute. This unexpected detour led us to Uganda, the ‘Pearl of Africa.’ What seemed like a setback became a blessing. We used the time to reflect, create content, and engage in deep conversations with locals. With Uganda in an election period, these conversations gave us invaluable insight into the political landscape and how it shapes the daily lives and environmental concerns of the people. The warmth and openness of the Ugandans were a welcome respite and a source of renewed energy.
The Destination: G20 in South Africa – Africa Must Lead
Now, our sights are firmly set on South Africa for the G20. The recent reflections on the high cost of attending global forums like COP have solidified our belief: Africa needs to focus on Africa. It is incredibly important that the G20 is happening on our soil. This is our moment to ensure that Africa gets to decide, lead, and shape the policies that directly affect our continent.
The African Caravan is carrying the message that our local solutions are global solutions. We are marching for a future where African voices are not just invited to the table, but are setting the agenda.
Follow our journey and support the voice of the grassroots!
