January 31 (IPS) -Civicus discusses the movement of the Petroleum Auction of the Congo Democratic Republic (DRC).
In October 2024, DRC climate activists won the discontinuance of controversial oil and gas license auctions that threaten the Congo Basin Rain Forest and Virunga National Park.
The civil society campaign exposed the social costs of environmental damage and petroleum extraction in this weak ecosystem.
Despite the arrest and police violence, activists mobilized support through regional behavior, public protests, petitions and international partnerships. But suspension is temporary and the government plans to resume auction. As a result, civil society has started an earth without oil, a new campaign.
What is the current petroleum and gas exploitation status of DRC?
DRC, a country with a unique potential to cope with the global climate crisis, is paradoxically pursuing policies for auctioning oil and gas. Companies such as Alfajiri Energy Corporation, Perenco, Production LLC, Red Winds Exploration and Symbion Power have started bidding for 27 oil blocks and 3 gas blocks in cooperation with political and administrative authorities.
This area, which is essential for biodiversity, community and world climate, is now threatened by this project, and the project is considered an economic opportunity by the authorities.
This auction continues despite the $ 500 million agreement for COP26’s DRC to stop foresting in the Congo basin. The example of Perenco, which has been using resources in central Congo for 20 years, shows miserable results. Additional environment in which there is no social benefits to the community.
What is the result of extraction in this ecosystem?
The result will be miserable. In the short term, mining has played an important role in regulating the global climate by destroying the oldest Upemba National Park and Virunga National Park, Africa’s most biodiversity protection area.
The destruction of Itan Land, which stores a huge amount of carbon dioxide, will exacerbate the climate crisis by releasing a large amount of greenhouse gases. The community will be exposed to the increase in respiratory diseases caused by air, soil and water pollution.
In the long run, mining will lead to land acceptance, interruption of agricultural activities, anxiety of thousands of families, and a large population displacement. In addition, it will encourage the spread of armed groups in the protected area, to worsen the instability of the authorities and to encourage corruption.
Which campaign tactics are effective?
The most effective tactics were tactics based on nonviolent and peaceful behavior. We organized a peaceful march to mobilize people and pay attention to our cause. We organized STIN in a strategic position to maintain pressure on the authorities.
We also used public letters to publicly question politicians and demanded boycotts for companies related to oil and gas extraction. The open meeting helped to raise awareness and mobilize the community.
In the Dead City days-Home demonstrations were symbolic but strong forms of protests, and visiting meetings with residents of influenced areas have strengthened their connection with the community. Participation forums and artistic activities such as music performances were also essential to convey our messages.
How did the campaign affect the discussion of DRC’s oil and gas extraction?
The campaign had a big impact. Many irregularities were exposed in the process of selling oil and gas blocks. For example, the public statement of the minister of hydrocarbons speaks of the minutes of the ministers’ council, 27 oil blocks and three gas blocks, revealed obvious damaged practices.
There was also a question about the actual oil that can be used while questioning the possibility of survival of this project. Some of the chosen companies, such as Alfajiri, have been criticized for disputes over some blocks for sales.
What obstacles did you have?
First of all, it was difficult to organize activities due to continuous anxiety about some protection areas. The threats of authorities and armed groups in parks such as Virunga were also major obstacles.
Our work has become complicated by the lack of resources to reach all the communities in contact with oil and gas blocks. We also faced the prohibition of protests, oppression, intimidation, activist arrest and interrogation.
To overcome these tasks, we implemented strategic communication, strengthened international partnerships, and adjusted the approach to local reality.
What is the strategy to handle possible auction resuming?
We have launched a new campaign to provide investment support for the decisive cancellation of auction and clean and regenerated energy. At the same time, we will demand immediately withdrawal from the bilateral contract with Uganda about the exploitation of hydrocarbons in the boundary resources, given the miserable effects of the African crude oil pipeline project for the Uganda people.
In order to achieve permanent cancellation, it is supported by activists who invest in earth behavior, expand their actions to other platforms, strengthen their links with other structures, and organize coaching sessions and online or face -to -face mentoring to support activists to support activists. do. Social movement. We also need to participate in activist meetings and international meetings to emphasize the auction problems and build global support for our cause.
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© Inter Press Service (2025) -Lee all rightsSource: Inter Press Service
