标签： Africa

As South Africa prepares to host the first-ever G20 summit on African soil, the spotlight is on the transformative potential of China-Africa energy cooperation in driving a just and inclusive green transition. Experts emphasize that this partnership could redefine Africa’s role in the global climate and industrial transformation, moving the continent from the periphery to the center of sustainable development.

Nicki Minaj, the Trinidadian-American rap superstar, has publicly supported former U.S. President Donald Trump’s allegations of Christian persecution in Nigeria. Speaking at a United Nations event organized by the U.S. on Tuesday, Minaj stated, ‘In Nigeria, Christians are being targeted. Churches have been burned, families have been torn apart… simply because of how they pray.’ Her comments align with Trump’s recent threats to deploy U.S. troops to Nigeria if the government fails to address the alleged violence against Christians. However, the Nigerian presidency has countered these claims, emphasizing that the widespread violence in the country affects all citizens, regardless of religious or ethnic background. Minaj, whose real name is Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, clarified that her advocacy is not about division but about ‘uniting humanity’ and standing against injustice. She expressed gratitude to Trump for prioritizing the issue and acknowledged Nigeria’s rich cultural and faith traditions. U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, praised Minaj for using her platform to highlight the atrocities. While right-wing campaigners in Washington have accused Islamist militants of systematically targeting Christians, analysts argue that much of the violence is driven by disputes over resources and ethnic tensions rather than religion. Nigeria’s government maintains that terrorists attack all who oppose their ideology, regardless of faith. Minaj’s appearance at the UN marks her most significant political intervention to date. The rapper, who has faced criticism for spreading COVID-19 vaccine misinformation and her ongoing feud with Cardi B, emphasized her commitment to justice, stating, ‘The Barbz & I will never stand down in the face of injustice.’

In the heart of South Africa’s oldest township, Alexandra, volunteers clad in wetsuits wade into the polluted Jukskei River to repair damaged garbage nets, a critical defense against flooding that threatens the shacks of this low-lying community. This scene underscores the urgent climate challenges facing South Africa as it hosts the Group of 20 (G20) summit in Johannesburg, marking the bloc’s first meeting on African soil. The summit aims to prioritize issues affecting impoverished nations, particularly the escalating impacts of climate change. South Africa is poised to call on wealthier nations and international financial institutions to bolster support for developing countries grappling with climate-induced disasters. Alexandra, home to over half a million residents, lies just steps away from Sandton, Johannesburg’s affluent financial hub. Yet, frequent flooding isolates the township, leaving children stranded and unable to attend school. Semadi Manganye, co-founder of the Alexandra Water Warriors, describes the situation as a “big hazard,” highlighting the stark contrast between wealth and poverty in the region. The climate crisis exacerbates inequality, a point emphasized by Binaifer Nowrojee, president of the Open Society Foundations, who notes that poor nations face a dire choice between economic growth and climate action. The World Bank reports that natural disasters have surged nearly eightfold in the poorest countries over the past four decades. Southern Africa, in particular, has endured devastating tropical storms, such as Cyclone Idai in 2019, which caused $2 billion in damages across Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. The region also suffered from severe droughts last year, crippling agriculture and deepening poverty. Climate financing remains a contentious issue, with rich nations pledging $300 billion annually by 2035 to aid developing countries, though experts argue $1 trillion per year is needed by 2030. The absence of the United States, one of the world’s largest polluters, from the G20 summit further complicates efforts to reach meaningful climate agreements. Meanwhile, South Africa’s own struggles with inequality and inadequate infrastructure exacerbate the climate crisis. Amnesty International’s recent report criticizes the government for failing millions living in informal settlements, who are disproportionately affected by flooding and other climate-related disasters. Despite these challenges, grassroots initiatives like the Alexandra Water Warriors offer hope. Since its formation in 2021, the group has planted trees, recycled waste, and engaged thousands in climate resilience projects, supported by a mix of public and private funding. As the G20 summit unfolds, South Africa seeks to champion green growth as a pathway to development, emphasizing that sustainable and resilient economies can drive faster progress.