DRC activists demand an end to Franco-British resource extraction over environmental concerns

Article by Viory

Activists rallied against oil and gas extraction projects in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, citing long-term environmental harm in the coastal town of Muanda following operations by European oil company Perenco.

Footage shows activists marching through the streets of Beni, holding placards and chanting slogans.

“We held a demonstration to support the local communities of Muanda, who for 50 years have been suffering harmful environmental consequences stemming from oil extraction operations by the Franco-British company Perenco,” said Shabani Loswire, an activist.

Activists criticised resource exploitation by Western multinationals and demanded reparations for families, saying drilling in the town has adversely affected farming, a vital source of income for local communities.

Demonstrators also called for greater transparency in oil agreements, questioning whether income from the contracts was properly determined, recorded and utilised for the nation.

“Oil contracts should also be made public,” Loswire added, urging authorities to reconsider expanding oil exploration across the country. “We think Moanda is a rather macabre example that must not be repeated elsewhere, notably in North Kivu.”

“This is a reason for us living in Beni to remind decision-makers about the oil block they were selling in Virunga Park, the gas block in Kivu they wanted to cede to multinationals for exploitation,” he continued.

Another activist warned that the oil drilling contracts were dragging the country not only into a security crisis but also into a climate crisis, which, according to him, ‘kills more people than military conflict’.

“What is happening in Muanda with Perenco is something we don’t need to experience in other parts of the country,” said Vusindi Nick-Junior, a resident, calling on the government to halt similar projects elsewhere and promote renewable energy as a sustainable alternative.

Perenco is being tried in the Paris Judicial Court over environmental harm in the DRC, following reports of oil leaks and health impacts on local communities. However, despite the trial, the oil giant is ramping up its production and optimising field recovery.

Article by Viory