By Linus Flomo
The government has welcomed a delegation from the African Union (AU) led by Ana Nembe to address the urgent environmental issues affecting the nation.
This significant courtesy visit through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs aimed at fostering collaborative efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change in Liberia, underscores strengthening the partnership between Liberia and the AU.
During the meeting held on Monday, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gabriel H. Salee, expressed deep gratitude for the ongoing support from the African Union, particularly in the aftermath of recent flooding that has devastated communities across 11 counties.
Minister Salee highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat climate change, which has intensified natural disasters in Liberia, leading to severe flooding, soil erosion, and erratic weather patterns that threaten agriculture and the livelihoods of many.
“The Government of Liberia is profoundly grateful for the support extended by the African Union, especially in providing much-needed relief to flood victims in the most affected regions,” Minister Salee stated.
He expressed, “Your visit today signifies the African Union’s commitment to solidarity and shared responsibility in tackling the critical issue of climate change, which poses a significant threat to our nation’s development and the well-being of our citizens.”
Minister Salee emphasized that while climate change is a global challenge, its effects are particularly harsh on developing nations like Liberia, where communities rely heavily on agriculture and natural resources.
He reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to partnering with both regional and international stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions that will mitigate climate change’s adverse impacts and build resilience among vulnerable populations.
Minister Salee praised the AU for its rapid mobilization of resources and its swift response to the urgent needs of flood victims.
He emphasized that the ongoing collaboration with the AU will be essential in addressing both the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change. “Developing robust climate resilience strategies is imperative not only to provide relief but also to empower communities with the tools and knowledge needed to withstand future climate shocks,” he stated.
The discussions between Minister Salee and Nembe also highlighted the importance of enhanced partnerships among the African Union, the Government of Liberia, and international stakeholders to confront the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.
Key topics included investing in renewable energy, promoting reforestation efforts, and implementing policies to reduce carbon emissions.
Madam Nembe highlighted the African Union’s dedication to assisting its member states in navigating climate-related challenges.
She acknowledged the disproportionate impact of climate change on African countries, particularly those with limited resources to adapt and assured the Liberian government of the AU’s readiness to collaborate in designing and executing effective climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
“The African Union stands in solidarity with the people of Liberia as they face the pressing challenges of climate change,” said Nembe.
“Our visit here is not only to offer immediate support to those affected by recent floods but also to work together with the Government of Liberia in building long-term resilience against climate shocks. Through regional cooperation and shared expertise, we can develop innovative solutions that tackle the root causes of climate change and help safeguard our continent’s future,” she stated.
Nembe reiterated the African Union’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s climate action initiatives with assurance of continued technical and financial assistance to bolster the country’s climate resilience efforts.
She stressed that addressing climate change requires a collective approach, involving governments, private sector entities, and civil society organizations in developing sustainable solutions.
As part of the delegation’s activities, Nembe and her team plan to engage with key government ministries, civil society organizations, and local communities to gather insights and assess ongoing climate adaptation projects.
The findings from these engagements will inform the development of a comprehensive action plan aimed at mitigating climate change effects and enhancing resilience in Liberia.
The African Union delegation’s visit is a vital demonstration of regional solidarity and shared responsibility in combating the global climate crisis.
The Government of Liberia remains committed to collaborating closely with the African Union and other partners to implement sustainable solutions that safeguard the environment and improve the livelihoods of the Liberian people.
The African Union delegation’s visit comes at a critical juncture for Liberia, as the country continues to recover from severe flooding that has impacted thousands of its citizens.
The AU, in collaboration with the Liberian government, has played a crucial role in providing emergency relief, including food assistance, temporary shelter, and medical supplies to the affected communities.
