Pan-African Unity at the Africa Movement Building Space (MOM)
As that call to action echoed across Nairobi, another wave of change was rising at the Africa Movement Building Space (MOM), a dynamic gathering of changemakers from across the continent. This took place from 19 to 21 May 2025
Held over three days, MOM brought together faith leaders, youth organisers, climate campaigners, and community voices under one roof to envision a just, liberated Africa. Ashley Kitisya was present for the three-day conference and contributed to the conversation, giving grassroots voices to the broader movement strategy.
The three-day Africa Movement Building Space (MOM) convening was a powerful and strategic gathering that brought together diverse climate actors from across the continent. Day One focused on grounding, reflection, and contextualisation, opening with an Ubuntu circle where participants shared their names, roots, and what Africa means to them. Ashley Kitisya shared reflections on the role of faith in nurturing hope amid climate despair and emphasised the importance of women leading ecological justice conversations.
Day Two centered on organising, strategising, and building power, featuring energising moments like the African anthem and fashion parade, alongside deep dialogues on COP29, the Niger Delta, the Total campaign, and South-South cooperation in the lead-up to COP30 and the G20 Summit. Ashley contributed actively to breakout sessions on intersectional movement building, offering faith-rooted insights and examples from Laudato Si’ Animators.
The conference closed on Day Three with a renewed sense of clarity, unity, and momentum, affirming that this gathering was not just symbolic but a critical step in strengthening shared leadership and amplifying Africa’s voice in the global climate movement.
Global Fossil Fuel Treaty for a Renewable Future
As the climate crisis intensifies, Kenya is emerging as a moral and strategic leader in the call for global action. In the days leading up to World Environment Day, a powerful coalition of voices—government officials, civil society, faith leaders, Indigenous communities, and youth—gathered in Nairobi to advocate for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. This global initiative aims to phase out fossil fuels and fast-track a just transition to renewable energy.
Kenya, recognised globally for its climate leadership and ambitious goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2035, is well-positioned to take the lead in championing this treaty. The Treaty is built on three pillars: ending the expansion of fossil fuels, phasing out existing production fairly (with wealthy nations leading the way), and facilitating a global transition through international cooperation and finance.
“Fossil fuels have failed to power Africa. Over 600 million people remain without energy, and 950 million inhale toxic fumes daily,” said Frederik Njehu, Global Political Lead for Fair Share at Greenpeace Africa.
Voices from the ground echoed this call. Indigenous Maasai leader Moses Ole Kipaliash highlighted how unpredictable weather—driven by fossil fuel emissions—devastates pastoralist communities. “We support the treaty to protect our land for future generations,” he said. The Maasai community, by backing the Treaty, joins 11 Amazonian Indigenous nations in calling for global change.
Faith communities were at the heart of the gathering. Muslim and Christian leaders, including Hakeem Khalid of SUPKEM and the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, affirmed the moral responsibility to protect creation. Ashley Kitisya, Program Manager at Laudato Si’ Movement Africa, reinforced the Church’s essential role in shaping climate narratives and advancing Catholic leadership for ecological justice.
“Supporting the Fossil Fuel Treaty would cement Kenya’s climate leadership and unlock international financing and technology to meet national renewable energy goals,” added Prince Papa of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Franciscans Africa, and the Laudato Si’ Movement Kenya were all present in solidarity, calling on Kenya to join the 16 nations that have already endorsed the Treaty.
