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Author: Mwenya Chitambala
To celebrate Earth Day, Laudato Si’ Movement came together with faith leaders, climate activists, and community voices from across Africa for an inspiring and urgent webinar titled “Our People, Our Planet.” This dynamic event underscored the urgent need to reduce fossil fuel dependence and accelerate Africa’s transition to clean, renewable energy — a crucial step in safeguarding our shared home.
Moderated by Mwenya Chitambala, Communications Officer at Laudato Si’ Movement, the session opened with a heartfelt welcome and a stirring reminder of Earth Day’s significance. This was not just another date on the calendar, but a rallying point for climate justice and collective action across the continent.
The gathering began with a grounding prayer by Sr. Immaculate Tusingwire, followed by a solemn moment of silence honoring Pope Francis, whose landmark encyclical Laudato Si’ continues to ignite ecological consciousness and inspire bold action, even a decade after its release.
Ashley Kitisya, Africa Program Manager for Laudato Si’ Movement, framed Earth Day as both a moment of solidarity and a launchpad for transformative change. “Today calls us not just to reflect, but to take real responsibility for our planet’s future,” she said.
Reagan Wafula, Laudato Si’ Africa Energy Transition Fellow, challenged the audience to shift focus from purely technical advocacy to powerful public education. “The sun’s energy is endless — and so must be our commitment to spreading awareness about renewables,” he urged.
Baraka Mugisho passionately highlighted the moral duty of faith communities in shaping climate policies that protect people and ecosystems alike. Drawing on the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s struggles, he exposed how fossil fuel extraction ravages lands and communities, threatening both human dignity and nature’s balance.
One of the most moving moments came with the screening of a powerful video revealing the devastating impacts of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). This massive 1,443-kilometre fossil fuel project endangers biodiversity, indigenous rights, and water sources across Uganda and Tanzania.
Local grassroots advocates Edwin Mumbere and Rehema Peter shared courageous testimonies of resistance, revealing how communities are rising up to defend their sacred lands and vital water against the pipeline’s destructive march.
Zaki Mamdoo, campaign lead for the #StopEACOP campaign, closed the speaker lineup with a powerful reflection:
“This day should no longer be a tree-planting exercise for large corporations.”
He shared key updates from the campaign, including the significant shift in global support: 43 banks and 29 insurers have now withdrawn backing for EACOP, underscoring the growing momentum of the movement.
To conclude, Steven Kezamutima, Africa Programs Coordinator at Laudato Si Movement, led a moving meditation, reminding all present that the Earth is sacred and protecting it is not only a political act but a holy one.
As we mark 10 years of Laudato Si’ this Earth Day, one message rings loud and clear:
Africa is not only on the frontlines of the climate crisis, but it’s also leading the fight for climate solutions.
Watch the recording of the event here: https://youtu.be/tZPU5hFLxHw