Amidst the fervor of the African Climate Summit in Nairobi, a different kind of energy pulsated through the air—a chorus of voices raised in protest against what they deemed a “deeply compromised agenda” and a focus skewed towards the interests of wealthy nations.

As the summit kicked off, hundreds of demonstrators, accompanied by a marching band, converged near the conference venue to voice their discontent. Their message was clear: the African continent should not be held to higher standards of environmental responsibility than the very nations responsible for the lion’s share of global emissions. Moreover, they lamented the lack of tangible support and financing promised to help Africa transition to cleaner, more sustainable development pathways.

Among the protesters, a sense of urgency pervaded the air—a call for systemic reform and a dismantling of structures that perpetuate inequality and exploitation. Babawale, an activist from Friends of the Earth Africa, captured the sentiment succinctly, demanding that Africa’s energy system be “decolonized” and placed in the hands of its people. The focus, he argued, should be on systems change, not mere lip service to climate action.

Central to the protesters’ grievances were carbon markets—a mechanism ostensibly designed to incentivize emissions reductions but criticized for perpetuating neo-colonial dynamics and exacerbating environmental injustice. As countries invest in carbon markets, questions arise about who truly benefits from these transactions and whether they serve the interests of the African continent or external actors seeking to profit from climate mitigation efforts.

Amidst the cacophony of dissent, signs demanding an end to the neo-colonial scramble for oil and gas in Africa stood out, underscoring the broader geopolitical implications of the climate crisis. As President William Ruto’s government and other African leaders convened inside the summit venue, protesters called attention to the disconnect between rhetoric and action, urging a shift away from fossil fuel dependency towards renewable energy alternatives.

Yet, even as protests raged outside, the summit proceeded with heads of state and dignitaries asserting Africa’s voice on the global stage. Calls for increased financing and support resonated throughout the proceedings, highlighting the urgent need to bridge the gap between climate pledges and tangible action.

In the midst of these contradictions, the true test of the summit’s impact lies in its ability to address the concerns of both protesters and policymakers. As Africa grapples with the complexities of the climate crisis, the imperative for genuine dialogue, transparency, and accountability has never been greater.

The protests against the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi serve as a stark reminder of the complexities and contradictions inherent in the global fight against climate change. As Africa asserts its voice on the world stage, it must confront the uncomfortable truths and systemic injustices that underpin the climate crisis, forging a path towards a future defined by equity, sustainability, and shared prosperity.