Africa Energy Week Protest in Sandton, Johannesburg (DontGasAfrica and StopEACOP campaign)
As the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) continues to face significant delays, frustration is mounting across the continent, particularly in Uganda and Tanzania. Communities are increasingly voicing concerns about the harmful impacts of oil and gas extraction. On August 26th, twenty activists were detained in Uganda while protesting against potential funding for EACOP. This is just one of many incidents where peaceful protesters face repression for calling attention to the environmental and social risks associated with the project.
Reports highlighting the devastating impacts of EACOP—particularly around the Tilenga and Kingfisher oil fields—continue to emerge, raising alarm about the long-term consequences for local communities and ecosystems. This has fueled further discontent across Africa, especially following the recent FOCAC (Forum on China-Africa Cooperation) summit and the Africa Energy Week and forum. Instead of doubling down on fossil fuel dependence, many argue that these leaders should be exploring clean energy alternatives that protect both people and the planet.
StopEACOP activists have also joined forces with others at the Africa Energy Week protests in South Africa, demanding an end to Africa’s debt slavery and exploitation. Their calls for justice are clear:
- End Africa’s debt slavery and demand reparations for centuries of extraction and exploitation.
- Establish a sustainable energy system that moves beyond the destructive legacy of fossil fuels.
- Cancel African Energy Week and build an energy system that truly serves the African people.
During the concluded Season of Creation, we are reminded of the urgent need to shift away from fossil fuels and prioritize renewable energy. The environmental and social cost of projects like EACOP should prompt our leaders to uphold human rights and commit to a just, clean energy transition. The Laudato Si’ Movement firmly condemns the arrests of peaceful activists and prays for an end to the persecution of those who seek accountability and justice in their communities.
True development is about safeguarding livelihoods, not destroying them. It is unacceptable to ignore the suffering of those who stand up against injustice. As people of faith, we are called to care for our common home and to plant seeds of hope by transitioning fairly away from fossil fuels. Only by doing so can we reimagine development that uplifts the poor and vulnerable while ensuring a habitable planet for future generations.
Now, more than ever, we need bold action to create an energy future that puts people and the planet first. The time to act is now.
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