Nairobi, 30 July 2025 -Artists across the African continent are set to join forces in a visionary new campaign -  “All Power to The People - Pan-African Artists’ Pledge” - using the power of art to demand climate justice for African communities. Backed by allied civil society organizations among them, Africans Rising, the Africa Just Transition Network and the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, the collaborative campaign is grounded in six collective demands namely:

• End new coal, oil and gas exploration and expansion

• Fairly phase out existing fossil fuel infrastructure

• Fund a fair and fast transition to a people-centered, renewable-powered future grounded in justice

• End energy poverty and deliver 100% clean renewable energy access for all

• Climate reparations and ecological remediation for all communities and ecosystems pillaged by fossil fuel extraction

• Endorse the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

The campaign is being launched against the background of a worsening climate crisis, attributable to continued fossil fuel expansion by developed nations. The expansion of coal, oil and gas has not only failed to enrich and power the African continent, but has also fuelled violent conflicts, militarised territories, destroyed ecosystems, while exacerbating debt crises, human rights violations, underdevelopment, energy poverty, disease and injustice. In light of these consequences unjustly and disproportionately suffered by African communities, the campaign urges more artists to join the pledge and utilise their voices, creativity and talents in solidarity with frontline communities. 

African artists are called upon to make submissions of their original works and join the pledge on the website https://www.allpowertothepeople.art/. Selected artwork will be featured on the All Power to the People social media platform and have the opportunity to be publicly displayed at an exhibition in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia during Africa Climate Week and Summit in September. Chosen artists will be invited to join the African Creative Action Network(ACAN), a vibrant and diverse network of artists, activists and supporters committed to using arts for social justice and community development.  

The campaign comes just days after the historic International Court of Justice ruling affirming the legal obligations of States to prevent environmental harm, safeguard the rights and wellbeing of human beings, and cooperate internationally on climate action. The ruling laid the foundation for greater climate accountability, paving the way for restorative climate action and reparations.

Seble Samuel, Head of Africa Campaigns & Advocacy, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative said,
“Our continent is locked into an energy hypocrisy. Africa is home to the world’s largest renewable energy potential, and yet Sub-Saharan Africa is home to over 80% of the world’s unelectrified population. This bleak energy poverty exposes how much the fossil fuel industry has failed our continent by design — shipping wealth and energy out of our continent over decades while leaving pillaged ecosystems in its wake. To break free from this fossil fuelled entrapment, the power, sounds, visuals, and rhythm of the arts are indispensable. We need to reimagine our continent, with an end to the toxic legacies of the fossil fuel industry that have treated our communities and territories as sacrifice zones, and a new dawn of universal energy access with abundant renewable energy in the hands of the people.”

Marina Agortimevor, Coordinator, Africa Just Transition Network said,
“As legal pressure mounts on States following the recent ICJ ruling, people power is also building. Through this campaign, artists are generating public momentum for climate action and reparations for our communities. We need all players on board to challenge the continued exploitation of Africa’s resources and people by fossil fuel interests and demand justice, energy access, and dignity for African people.”

Ancel Langwa, Movement Building and Support Lead Officer, Africans Rising said,
“Artists’ collective expression can powerfully amplify the voices of vulnerable communities and ensure that those bearing the greatest burdens of the climate crisis are no longer ignored. This is why artists are rising to honour the lived experiences, hope and resilience of frontline communities. We envision a safe, liveable future for our people, powered by sun and wind, rooted in justice and dignity. This future which artists imagine and embody in their art, is within reach. What is needed is greater political will from governments, to address the climate crisis and bold, transformative efforts such as the proposed Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty”

The launch of the campaign comes only a few weeks ahead of the second edition of the Africa Climate  Summit, which will bring together over 45 governments in Addis Ababa to discuss the continent’s climate action agenda and sustainable development priorities.