Colombia’s Environment Minister Susana Muhamad announced her resignation, requesting to remain as COP16 president to finalize UN biodiversity talks in Rome. Her opposition to the appointment of Armando Benedetti as chief of staff has strained governmental relations. With other resignations from the cabinet, the effectiveness of the negotiations may be jeopardized as crucial discussions on biodiversity financing await.
Susana Muhamad, Colombia’s Minister of Environment and President of COP16 UN biodiversity negotiations, has announced her intention to resign from her ministerial position. However, she has requested to remain in her role to finish the crucial UN nature talks scheduled for February 25 to 27 in Rome. In her resignation letter dated February 8, she emphasized the significance of concluding COP16, which was left unresolved in Colombia last year.
In her letter, Muhamad expressed her decision to resign but highlighted her commitment to leading the ongoing negotiations. She indicated that her resignation could be effective from March 3, contingent upon President Gustavo Petro’s decision regarding her request to remain until COP16 concludes. Furthermore, she publicly clarified her resignation via social media to prevent misunderstandings.
Muhamad has also been a prominent critic of the appointment of Armando Benedetti as Petro’s chief of staff, who has faced allegations of domestic abuse and corruption. During a recent ministerial council meeting, she firmly opposed Benedetti’s position, stating, “As a feminist and as a woman, I cannot sit at this table of our progressive project with Armando Benedetti.” This opposition has highlighted internal tensions within the Colombian government.
According to Oscar Soria, the CEO of The Common Initiative, while it is likely that the government will retain Muhamad as COP president, her resignation could impede the progress of negotiations. He noted that for effective results, proactive diplomatic efforts were crucial in the months leading up to the conference, suggesting that the ongoing political unrest in Colombia has diverted attention from essential discussions.
Following Muhamad’s resignation announcement, other ministers have also chosen to resign, prompting President Petro to suspend his entire cabinet and request formal resignations. This development raises concerns about the support Muhamad may receive from both the president and her fellow ministers during the upcoming COP16 negotiations.
In summary, Susana Muhamad’s resignation as Colombia’s Minister of Environment raises concerns about the progress of COP16 negotiations, which are vital for biodiversity finance. Her request to remain in her role until the talks conclude illustrates her dedication to the negotiations. The political instability within the Colombian government complicates the situation further, making it essential for proactive support as the summit looms.
Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com
