Communities Unite in Tanga to Speak Out Against EACOP
In a remarkable display of grassroots activism in Tanga, villagers joined activists in opposition to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project.
The peaceful demonstration outside the EACOP offices in Tanga was a welcome departure from earlier protests in Dar es Salaam, as it took the fight directly to the doorsteps of the EACOP offices, where the project-affected people reside. Although the intention was to hand over a petition stating their grievances, the protesters were stopped before entering the premises and instead directed to the main office in Dar es Salaam. But this did not dampen their moods as they chanted #StopEACOP slogans and gave a brief speech about their reasons for congregating there, including a solidarity message with their counterparts in Uganda who were arrested two days ago in Kampala, Uganda.
The protest focused on crucial issues that can no longer be ignored. For example, in Chongoleani, fishermen complained about unfavourable changes in their way of life, including increased noise pollution from drilling, which has reduced fish catches. Project-affected persons (PAPs) voiced their concerns over unmet food needs and erratic and insufficient food rationing that did not align with the promises made. Perhaps most distressing is the lack of fair compensation for displaced fisherfolk and farmers, which has left entire communities in poverty.
The ecological risks associated with the project cannot be overstated. Some of the demonstrators explained the risk of destruction to marine resources, including damage to the precious coral reef. Worse still is that there are also plans to cut down 40 hectares of mangroves — the irony of cutting down mangroves that absorb large amounts of greenhouse gases to build a pipeline that will see a catastrophic increase in greenhouse gases is unbelievable. Additionally, there is the risk of oil spills in the areas around Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria basin, which puts the lives of millions at stake.
This protest is about more than a simple demonstration—it is a call for climate justice, human rights, and accountability for corporations like TotalEnergies and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC). At the same time, the voices of the oppressed people on the front lines are demanding an end to this environmentally and socially destructive venture.
Click here to read the Memorandum of Demands and here to access the press release.
