Colombia’s environment Minister resigns ahead of summit on Environment

By Samuel Ogunsona

In a developing story, Susana Muhamad, President of the COP16 and Colombia’s Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, has confirmed her resignation.

Her resignation may not be unconnected with disagreements on how to ove forward on Climage Change issues, something that affects more of developing countries.

In a Spanish interview by Los Danieles on Sunday, Muhamad announced that she had submitted her resignation letter to President Gustavo Petro, citing a difficult decision.

“I have submitted my resignation letter to the president; it is a difficult decision,” Muhamad said

Petro has the resignation letter “in his hands,” and Muhamad’s departure may not be immediate, as the timing will be decided by Petro.

This announcement comes ahead of the continuation of COP16 talks in Rome, Italy, scheduled for later this month.

Muhamad’s resignation has raised uncertainty about who will hold the COP16 presidency.

According to sources, Petro may choose to keep Muhamad as president of COP 16.2, with a possible handover of duties to another high-level official after the talks in Rome.

Muhamad’s resignation follows a chaotic cabinet meeting where she and other high-ranking officials publicly aired disagreements over policy and new appointments.

Muhamad, a close ally of Petro since 2010, was considered the most “Petrista” minister in the cabinet.

“I have nearly 20 years of political activism in progressivism. Mr. President, as a feminist and as a woman, I cannot sit at this Cabinet table–at the heart of our progressive project–with Armando Benedetti,” Muhamad said during the televised cabinet meeting.

Regarding COP 16.2, Muhamad expressed her desire to preside over the talks, stating, “I have a significant responsibility in closing COP16. I included in my resignation letter a request for the president to consider this circumstance.”

The situation may be handled according to CBD procedural rules and diplomatic norms, with possible scenarios including Muhamad’s continuation in a personal capacity, replacement by a vice-president, or an interim presidency.

As the story continues to unfold, the future of the COP16 presidency remains uncertain.

Muhamad’s resignation has significant implications for the upcoming talks in Rome, and the international community awaits further developments.