Representatives of African countries discussed in Baku new manifestations of neo-colonialism and joint measures to prevent it, implementation of cooperation projects, and environmental and human health damage caused by colonial policies of metropolitan powers.
According to Report, these issues were discussed during a meeting with representatives of the Baku Initiative Group.
The meeting was attended by deputies, heads of non-governmental organizations, politicians, eco-activists, and human rights defenders from Mali, Togo, Djibouti, Nigeria, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mauritania.
"We must unite our efforts to protect our natural resources, which continue to be exploited at the expense of ecology and our future. It's time to achieve real accountability from international corporations," said Makelele Kauchu Alen Bisimwa, Program Director of the Environmental Protection and Protected Areas Front of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which suffered from colonization.
According to Abdulsamad Said Arre, social development specialist at "Paix & Lait" (Djibouti), colonial heritage continues to influence the development of these countries even after gaining independence. "We must work on social progress based on justice and equality," he said.
The head of the 350 Power Shift program from Kenya, Silali Joseph Mutua, noted that youth movements like 350 Power Shift show "that we have the ability to face climate challenges." Africa must be heard in the global climate agenda, he emphasized.
"Forest restoration is not just an environmental measure, but also a way to fight poverty and increase the resilience of our communities," said Fatoumata Djire, manager of ASRAD organization (supporting development and forest restoration) from Mali.
In turn, the president of this organization, Kabine Doumbia, noted that ecosystem restoration is both a duty and hope. "We must achieve fair resource distribution to protect nature and our culture," he said.