Uniting Voices: Former Refugee Championing Climate Justice at Cop28

Emtithal Mahmoud, a former refugee from Sudan, as well as a writer and activist, is gearing up to participate in the Cop28 climate summit in Dubai this month. Her goal is to bring attention to the often-overlooked voices of displaced individuals who are disproportionately affected by climate change. During a recent visit to the Minawao refugee camp in northern Cameroon, Mahmoud shared her insights with RFI about the challenges faced by displaced people in the wake of climate-related crises.

Mahmoud’s visit to the Minawao refugee camp allowed her to meet individuals like Liatou Habila, a 26-year-old Nigerian refugee, who expressed gratitude for the attention brought to their plight. Habila was particularly struck by Mahmoud’s humbleness and warm personality, characteristics that have made her well-liked among the refugee population at the camp.

The activist, who fled Darfur as a young child and spent her formative years in the United States, is determined to shed light on the experiences of refugees at the upcoming Cop28 climate summit. Mahmoud is committed to advocating for refugees, who have historically been excluded from discussions on climate change, despite being the ones most affected by its devastating effects.

During her visit to Cameroon, Mahmoud highlighted the significant challenges faced by displaced individuals due to environmental disruptions caused by climate change. She underscored the profound impact of climate-related disasters on displacement, drawing attention to the prevalence of this issue in various countries, including Afghanistan, the DRC, Yemen and Syria.

In the Far North region of Cameroon, where the Minawao refugee camp is located, Mahmoud observed the struggles faced by thousands of displaced individuals. The region has seen a rise in displacement due to extreme weather events and conflicts over resources, with many forced to flee their homes as a result of climate-induced hardships.

Tragically, the Minawao refugee camp has not been spared from the effects of climate change. Drought and deforestation have ravaged the area, leading to soaring temperatures and the loss of vital trees that serve as a source of firewood for refugees and the local population alike.

To address the pressing need for fuel, refugees at the camp have initiated a tree-planting campaign, with over 50,000 trees planted with the assistance of the Cameroon government and various aid agencies. The initiative not only aims to provide essential fuel but also to offer some respite from the scorching heat of the Sahel region.

Mahmoud commended the innovative climate solutions developed by refugees themselves, emphasizing the importance of their active involvement in crafting sustainable initiatives. She also expressed her belief in the power of spoken-word poetry to inspire empathy and understanding, particularly when it comes to highlighting the humanity of vulnerable communities like refugees.

As she looks ahead to the Cop28 summit, Mahmoud is determined to ensure that the voices of refugees, long marginalized in discussions on climate change, are given the platform they deserve. Her unwavering dedication to amplifying the stories and experiences of displaced individuals serves as a powerful testament to the urgency of addressing climate justice on a global scale.