Ugandan activists under the #StopEACOP campaign today joined forces with their Congolese and Tanzanian counterparts to urge the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to reject joining the contentious East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project.
The movement, which has gained international traction, is intensifying its efforts to block what they describe as a deadly project with far-reaching environmental, social, and economic consequences.
The coalition includes environmentalists, human rights defenders, and grassroots organizations from Uganda, Tanzania, and the DRC.
These groups have been vocal critics of EACOP, the ambitious oil pipeline spearheaded by Uganda and Tanzania in partnership with international oil giants, including TotalEnergies.
The project, designed to transport crude oil from Uganda’s Lake Albert region to Tanzania’s Tanga Port, has been a lightning rod for criticism due to its potential impact on ecosystems, communities, and the global fight against climate change.
The DRC has oil blocs in the Eastern part of the country that it wishes to exploit through joining the Uganda-Tanzania pipeline.
The activists convened protests and released a joint statement urging DRC authorities to distance themselves from EACOP.
Their primary concern lies in the pipeline’s ecological risks, including oil spills and damage to critical habitats. They also highlight the social crisis the project has caused, displacing thousands of people and disrupting livelihoods in affected areas.
“Adding the DRC to this dangerous pipeline would be catastrophic,” said one Ugandan activist. “We are already fighting to save our forests, water sources, and communities from the devastating effects of oil. The DRC must stand with its people, not with the polluters.”
Activists strongly believe that the EACOP project pipeline cuts through sensitive ecosystems, including wetlands and wildlife corridors, threatening biodiversity in Uganda, Tanzania, and potentially the DRC, they also argue that the project contradicts global climate goals, as it would lock the region into decades of fossil fuel dependency at a time when the world is transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
Additionally, thousands of families have already been uprooted and they were inadequately compensated.
While DRC has not officially committed to joining EACOP, reports suggest that discussions are underway. With its vast oil reserves, DRC is seen as a key player in expanding the pipeline’s reach. However, activists argue that the country should prioritize sustainable development over short-term oil gains.
“EACOP is not the future,” said a Tanzanian activist. “The DRC has an opportunity to lead by example, embracing renewable energy and safeguarding its natural heritage.”
The #StopEACOP campaign gained momentum in 2022 when environmental groups worldwide united to oppose the pipeline. Since then, the movement has organized protests, awareness campaigns, and legal challenges.
The activists are employing a mix of grassroots organizing, social media campaigns, and international advocacy to amplify their message. They are also pressuring financial institutions to withdraw funding for the project, a tactic that has already led some banks to distance themselves from EACOP.
The fate of EACOP and whether DRC will join remains uncertain. However, the activists’ message is clear: the project is a step backward in the fight for a sustainable and equitable future.
