Gambian civil society organizations, led by Global Platform and ActionAid, have renewed calls for climate justice during this year’s Global Week of Climate Action. Activists stressed that although the country contributes less than 0.04 percent to global greenhouse gas emissions, it is bearing severe consequences, particularly in agriculture and energy supply.
Ousman Baldeh, Programs Manager of Global Platform, lamented that although The Gambia contributes little to global emissions, the menace is crippling farmers’ production. “A farmer that used to produce ten tons will produce two tons this year. Rainfall has become a problem. Our development has become a problem because our governments are trapped in taking loans to take care of debts and climate crisis that they do not cause. That is why we say the West must pay and climate justice is a must,” he said.
The call was made on Saturday, September 19, 2026, as part of events marking Climate Action Week. The celebration commenced with a march from GNPC in Abuko to the Ministry of Environment, during which participants chanted slogans such as “Climate Justice! Fight for the Future! Fight for the Earth! People over Profit! Fund Farmers!”
Gambian NGOs, including Global Platform and ActionAid, have long advocated climate justice for present and future generations, arguing that the country suffers heavily from climate change effects despite contributing minimally to the crisis. Globally, the Week of Climate Action is commemorated from September 15–20 to sensitize communities on the dangers of climate change and to push for concrete actions to mitigate its impacts, such as global warming, erratic rainfall, and prolonged dry spells.
Mr. Baldeh recalled that last year, Global Platform embarked on a climate change sensitization caravan across the country, visiting communities most affected by climate damages. “We collected demands on behalf of farmers and presented them to the Ministry of Environment,” he said, urging that climate be prioritized with concrete actions.
Saikou Darboe, National Coordinator of Global Platform, emphasized solidarity: “We are not the contributors of climate change. What we contribute is very minimal, but the impact we are feeling is too huge. Therefore, we need to stand in solidarity.” He also linked recent power outages to climate change, noting that the Samba Galo Dam cannot supply adequate electricity due to insufficient water levels.
Saikou Bah, speaking on behalf of ActionAid, highlighted engagements with the National Assembly’s agriculture committee and national forums on agro-ecology. He stressed that most Gambian farmers are small-scale producers suffering from a crisis they did not cause. “Polluters must pay, to make sure that the injustice that is happening is being fixed,” he said.
Fatoumatta Betts urged the Ministry to represent Gambian voices internationally: “We know the West is responsible for the climate crisis that we are facing. We want you to represent our voices at the global stage.”
Government Response
Lamin S. Jammeh, Director of the Climate Change Secretariat, noted that The Gambia is among the V20 (Vulnerable 20) countries most affected by climate change. He warned that climate impacts are cascading into the economy, agriculture, and labor market, driving climate-induced migration. “We are cognizant of this as a ministry, and we are doing all we could to make sure that we address the problem. But to the point, that is climate justice and just transition,” he said.
Ms. Bintou Gassama, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to stronger international cooperation and inclusive climate planning. “Our national climate finance framework places emphasis on mobilizing resources, improving coordination and transparency, and ensuring that women, young people and marginalized groups are meaningfully considered in climate planning and implementation,” she said. She assured that the Ministry will study and consider the proposals within national policy frameworks.
Key Demands Presented
International Demands:
- Fund Gambia’s future, not its crises
- Ensure a just transition for workers, women, farmers, and communities
- COP31 must deliver a fully operational just transition mechanism
- Cancel climate debts and stop turning climate crises into debt burdens
National Demands to the Gambian Government:
- Implement existing environmental laws and policies
- Fulfil the Maputo commitment of investing 10% in agriculture
- Protect coastal communities and livelihoods through locally led adaptation
The demands were formally presented to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change on Saturday, September 19, 2026, and received by Deputy Permanent Secretary Ms. Bintou Gassama.
