The President of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, Senator Dr. Frank Habineza, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Adamou Garba, describing him as “a principled, thoughtful, and deeply committed leader” whose legacy will endure across Africa and beyond.
Garba, who served as President of the Greens of Niger and later led the African Greens Federation, passed away on Sunday, prompting an outpouring of grief from environmental and political leaders across the continent.
His death marks a significant loss not only for Niger but also for the broader global green movement.
In a moving eulogy, Habineza reflected on a long-standing partnership that spanned more than a decade, rooted in a shared commitment to ecological justice, democracy, and sustainable development.
He recalled that their collaboration began in April 2008, when both leaders were elected at the Second Global Greens Congress in São Paulo, Brazil, to represent Africa within the Global Greens Coordination.
From those early days, Habineza noted, Garba distinguished himself through his integrity and clarity of vision. Together, they went on to help establish the African Greens Federation in April 2010 during the Kampala Congress—a milestone that would shape environmental politics on the continent for years to come.
“Adamou was instrumental in building a strong and credible platform for ecological justice and democracy across Africa,” Habineza said, emphasizing the late leader’s role in amplifying African voices in global environmental debates.
Garba later succeeded Habineza as president of the African Greens Federation in 2018, a transition Habineza described as both seamless and reassuring. “I could not have wished for a more capable and dedicated successor,” he noted, praising Garba’s courage and unwavering conviction in advancing the Green agenda across Africa.
Beyond politics, Garba was remembered as a passionate environmental advocate and accomplished journalist. According to Habineza, he championed key initiatives such as promoting a green belt in Niamey and advocating for a more sustainable Sahel region—efforts that reflected his deep commitment to protecting the environment while promoting social justice.
Over the years, the two leaders continued to work closely within the Global Greens, serving together on its coordination body from 2008 to 2024. Habineza described Garba as a steadfast and collaborative partner, whose calm demeanor and wisdom left a lasting impression on colleagues.
“Today, we mourn not only a leader, but a friend,” Habineza said, adding that Garba’s legacy would live on through the institutions he helped build and the values he championed.
As tributes continue to pour in, Adamou Garba is being remembered as a pioneering figure in Africa’s environmental movement—one whose life was dedicated to service, justice, and the protection of the planet.
