Séna Alouka, pan-African environmental activist, dies

Séna Alouka, a prominent environmental activist and founder of the NGO Jeunes Volontaires pour l’Environnement (JVE), has passed away. His death was announced by the JVE Board of Directors in Lomé on September 3, 2026.

Alouka founded JVE in 2001, building it into a significant pan-African network dedicated to sustainable development, climate justice, and ecosystem preservation. Under his leadership, the organization expanded to include 30 national representations, over 20,000 volunteers, and a network of more than 70,000 members.

He was recognized for mobilizing African youth and ensuring the continent's concerns regarding climate finance and environmental policy were heard in international forums. Colleagues and environmental experts have described his passing as the loss of a major voice for African environmental defense and a leader who empowered thousands of young people to engage in climate action.