Addis Ababa – Amani Africa, a pan-African policy research and advocacy organization, is urging the African Union (AU) to declare an emergency regarding the escalating intersection of climate change and conflict across the continent. The call, highlighted in a recent impact report and further discussed in an Al Jazeera interview, comes as experts increasingly recognize climate-related stressors as significant contributors to instability and violence in several African regions. This growing concern centers on the idea that climate change is not simply an environmental issue, but a critical threat multiplier for existing security challenges.
The organization’s 2025 impact profile, released in January, details its work throughout the year in advocating for a more coherent African approach to climate policy. Amani Africa’s research indicates that the continent, despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, bears the brunt of climate change impacts, exacerbating resource scarcity, displacement, and conflict. The report emphasizes the need for proactive measures to address these interconnected challenges, rather than reactive responses to crises.
Amani Africa’s work in 2025 focused on overcoming fragmentation within the African Union’s engagement on climate change and charting a unified African voice on the global stage. This involved extensive analytical work, participation in key policy convenings, and direct engagement with policymakers. Specifically, the organization produced several editions of its flagship publication, Insights on the Peace and Security Council, and delivered a comprehensive presentation to the Peace and Security Council of the AU on September 17, 2025, dedicated to climate change, peace, and security. Details of this work are available on Amani Africa’s website.
Climate Change as a ‘Threat Multiplier’
The core argument presented by Amani Africa, and echoed by a growing number of security analysts, is that climate change acts as a “threat multiplier.” This means it doesn’t directly cause conflict, but it intensifies existing vulnerabilities and tensions. For example, dwindling water resources can exacerbate disputes between communities, while crop failures can lead to food insecurity and social unrest. These conditions, in turn, can be exploited by extremist groups or contribute to broader political instability.
The organization’s engagement extended beyond the AU headquarters. Amani Africa participated in the UN Climate and Security Mechanism regional meeting held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on June 23, 2035, at the UNECA. Their work was also featured in three high-level side events during the Africa Climate Summit, held September 8-10, 2025, also in Addis Ababa. These platforms allowed Amani Africa to present its findings and advocate for policy changes that integrate climate considerations into peace and security strategies.
The Call for an AU Emergency Declaration
The call for an AU emergency declaration is rooted in the belief that a more coordinated and decisive response is needed to address the growing climate-security nexus. Amani Africa argues that the current piecemeal approach is insufficient to cope with the scale and complexity of the challenges. An emergency declaration would signal the AU’s commitment to prioritizing this issue and unlock resources for preventative measures, such as early warning systems, conflict mediation initiatives, and climate adaptation programs.
The organization’s report highlights the importance of embedding key policy messages into concrete outcomes. This was achieved through close collaboration with policymakers, ensuring that Amani Africa’s analysis informed decision-making processes. The focus on engagement and work with policymakers was critical to embedding the key policy messages of their work in policy outcomes.
Stakeholders and Affected Regions
The potential beneficiaries of an AU emergency declaration are numerous. Primarily, it would benefit communities in regions already experiencing climate-related conflicts, such as the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and the Lake Chad Basin. These areas are particularly vulnerable to drought, desertification, and resource scarcity, which contribute to intercommunal violence and displacement. Farmers, pastoralists, and marginalized groups are disproportionately affected by these changes.
Beyond immediate conflict zones, the declaration would also benefit the broader African continent by fostering a more proactive and resilient approach to climate security. It would encourage greater investment in climate adaptation measures and promote regional cooperation on transboundary resource management.
Looking Ahead
The next key checkpoint will be the AU’s upcoming summit in February 2026, where the issue of climate change and security is expected to be on the agenda. Whether the AU will heed Amani Africa’s call for an emergency declaration remains to be seen, but the organization’s work has undoubtedly raised awareness of this critical issue and put pressure on policymakers to take action. The organization continues to advocate for a more integrated and proactive approach to addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change and conflict in Africa. Further information on Amani Africa’s impact can be found here.
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