The battle over the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) has reached a crucial legal turn as the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) prepares to hear an appeal on Monday, February 24, 2025.
The appeal filed by the Africa Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO), the Center for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT), the Center for Strategic Litigation (CSL), and Natural Justice challenges EACOP’s compliance with regional and international environmental laws.
This hearing marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal resistance against the massive oil project that has sparked fierce debate across the region.
EACOP a 1,443-kilometer pipeline stretching from Uganda to Tanzania has been at the center of controversy for years.
The project spearheaded by TotalEnergies and the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has been criticized for its potential environmental destruction, displacement of communities and contribution to climate change.
Activists argue that the pipeline violates multiple environmental treaties and regional policies endangering critical ecosystems and thousands of livelihoods.
The appellants AFIEGO and its partners are pushing for EACOP to align with established regional and global environmental protection frameworks.
The legal challenge is built on concerns that the pipeline will exacerbate carbon emissions, threaten biodiversity and violate the rights of affected communities.
They argue that Ugandan and Tanzanian authorities along with corporate stakeholders have failed to implement sufficient safeguards making the project an ecological and human rights disaster in the making.
On the other side, project proponents including the Ugandan and Tanzanian governments maintain that EACOP is a game-changer for economic growth.
They argue that the pipeline will unlock massive oil revenues, create jobs, and transform energy accessibility in the region.
TotalEnergies and CNOOC have also defended their environmental and social impact assessments insisting that necessary mitigation measures are in place to minimize harm.
As the EACJ prepares to hear arguments, the case has drawn widespread attention from environmentalists, human rights groups, policymakers and investors.
The outcome of this appeal could set a precedent for future fossil fuel projects in East Africa potentially reshaping the legal landscape for environmental governance in the region.
The verdict will not only determine EACOP’s future but also reflect the balance of power between economic ambitions and environmental accountability in East Africa.
Whether the court rules in favor of AFIEGO and its allies or upholds the pipeline’s current framework, this legal battle underscores the growing resistance against fossil fuel expansion amid escalating climate concerns.
While the hearing is set for February 24, the final ruling could take months. If the appeal succeeds EACOP may be forced to halt operations or adopt stringent environmental compliance measures.
If it fails, the pipeline’s construction will continue as planned despite the mounting opposition.
