By Mohame3d Konneh
Hundreds of people from civil society, frontline communities, youth networks, women’s groups, trade unions, and community movements took to the streets of Freetown, Sierra Leone, in a powerful reminder about our shared home in solidarity with the global march in Belém, Brazil, at the margins of COP30.
The event was organised by the Youth Alliance for Sustainable Development YASDev in partnership with the Network Movement for Youth, Women and Children Welfare (NMYWCW) with support from ActionAid Sierra Leone. The foot walk formed part of a global week of people-led mobilisations amplifying the voices of those most affected by the climate crisis and demanding climate justice, equitable finance, and stronger adaptation support.
The Foot Walk in Sierra Leone sent a clear and urgent message: world leaders must deliver climate justice, scale up finance for loss and damage, protect communities facing flooding, sea-level rise, and deforestation, and accelerate a just and equitable transition away from fossil fuels.
Through banners, placards, songs, and spoken-word performances, participants highlighted community realities — from coastal erosion in the Western Area Peninsula, recurrent floods in Freetown that have affected over 50,000 people since 2017, and dry spells in the northern region impacting agricultural yields, to the loss of livelihoods among farmers and fisherfolks. The march showcased the determination of Sierra Leoneans to hold leaders accountable and ensure that climate action is people-centred and inclusive.
Organised collaboratively by #YASDev and #NMYWCW, the Foot Walk began at St. John and proceeded through downtown Congo Cross to Aberdeen beach round about, culminating in a solidarity rally where youth and community representatives shared testimonies of environmental degradation, displacement, and adaptation challenges.
The Executive Director Mohamed Jalloh shares the importance of the March as a strong reminder to government and world leaders to take action now.
Mr. Foday-Bassie Swaray – the Executive Director, at ActionAid reminded everyone about the shared responsibilities as earth is the only place call home.
The event also symbolised solidarity between frontline communities in Sierra Leone and those in the Amazon and across the Global South, united in demanding justice, accountability, and resilience.
Key Demands and Calls to Action:
Urgent and predictable finance for loss and damage to support vulnerable communities.
Binding commitments to phase out fossil fuels and invest in renewable, community-owned energy systems.
Strengthened protection for coastal and forest-dependent communities across Sierra Leone.
Increased support for youth and women-led adaptation initiatives.
Institutional reforms ensuring inclusive participation of youth, women, persons with disabilities, and local communities in climate decision-making and implementation.
The march concluded with a solidarity statement aligning with the COP30 People’s Declaration, reaffirming the commitment of Sierra Leone’s civil society to transform global promises into local action and accountability.
The Civil Society & Communities Foot Walk in Freetown stood as a symbol of resilience, unity, and grassroots advocacy – a reminder that the fight for climate justice begins with those who bear its brunt.
As global leaders gather in Belém, Sierra Leone’s frontline voices echo one truth: climate justice must be real, fair, and funded. From Freetown to Belém — Sierra Leone’s communities, youth & civil society marched in solidarity with #COP30 demanding real action.
#LossAndDamage finance & justice for those on the frontlines.
Pan African Climate Justice Alliance ACSEA Fridays For Future – Sierra Leone Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone Ministry Of The Environment & Climate Change Green Scenery Sierra Leone – GSSL Green Leone SHE4Peace YAF Africa Campaign 𝗬𝗔𝗙 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗜𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 Sunrise Movement Sierra Leone Beckma Empowerment Initiative -Bemi Aspire Youth Empowerment Innovation Hub
