Equipe Media. Occupied Western Sahara
17 July 2024
A high-level delegation from the Sahrawi Republic, led by Mr. Taleb Brahim El Khalil, National Director of Agriculture, is participating in the Africa Multi-Stakeholder Conference on Carbon Markets in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (July 24-26, 2024). Other members include Mr. Moussa Eblal (Director of the Africa Department) and Mr. Mohamed Lamine Abaali (Sahrawi Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union).
The conference provides a platform for African nations to discuss carbon markets. Topics include opportunities for leveraging these markets, potential challenges, and the best ways to navigate them. Mr Brahim El Khalil highlighted the importance of reducing carbon emissions through initiatives like afforestation and clean energy adoption.
However, he expressed concerns about “greenwashing” – the use of renewable energy projects by the occupying force in Western Sahara. Mr. Khalil emphasized that such projects should not be used to finance the occupation or marginalize the Sahrawi people.
The conference aims to foster knowledge sharing, facilitate dialogue among stakeholders, and identify solutions. Expected outcomes include consensus and recommendations to guide Africa’s engagement in carbon markets.
The Sahrawi Republic’s participation has several goals. They aim to raise awareness about “greenwashing,” expose the situation in Western Sahara, and propose environmentally sound projects for the region.
The conference brings together representatives from African governments, civil society, the private sector, academia, and international partners. This diverse group will work together to shape a sustainable future for Africa.