Oil Exploitation is Destroying Our COmmunities: Upcoming Protest at the BRICS Summit

As the BRICS nations gather for their annual summit, this high-profile gathering provides the perfect opportunity to amplify the #StopEACOP campaign and demand an end to Chinese oil exploration in Africa.

The clarion call is that China withdraws funding and support for the controversial East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). 

The $5 billion pipeline, led by TotalEnergies, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), and the Uganda and Tanzania National Oil Companies, poses grave risks for local communities and the global climate. Yet profit-driven shareholders continue prioritizing returns over people.

The EACOP project is a key example of why we must mobilize now. This controversial project will lock the continent into decades of more fossil fuel dependence, thereby undermining sustainable growth. Africa has abundant renewable potential to meet its energy needs in cleaner, cheaper ways that uplift the vulnerable - this is the direction we want China to take rather than funding projects that only serve to siphon capital away from health, education and climate adaptation.

As major emitters, BRICS countries have a moral responsibility to avoid financing projects like EACOP that undermine global climate goals. Their continued fossil investments in Africa invite accusations of neo-colonialism, given the double standards compared to greener policies on their home turf. South Africa - the sole member from Africa - is struggling with load-shedding because of this short-term vision of fossil fuel dependency that’s now costing South Africans billions of dollars. Not to mention that should EACOP get full funding, Uganda and Tanzania will bear the brunt of emissions while the oil flows abroad. 

We cannot stay silent in the face of such injustice. Livelihoods and landscapes are on the line. The #StopEACOP Coalition calls for justice, accountability, and an immediate end to this disastrous project. On August 23rd, we will rally at Innesfree Park in Sandton from 8:30 a.m. to confront BRICS leaders as they arrive for their summit.

Join us as we deliver a clear message: Stop bankrolling fossil fuel extraction in Africa. Respect human rights and environmental protections. Commit to a just transition to renewables now.

We will also push back against the theme of this year's summit: “Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism.” There is nothing sustainable or mutually beneficial about projects like EACOP that appropriate land, pollute water sources, and destroy communities all to turn a profit.

The forces we’re up against are powerful, but we are stronger together. If you cannot join the rally in person, you can still have an impact by taking part in the digital action on social media using the hashtags #StopEACOP, #BRICSProtest, and #EndFossilFuelFinance.

The clock is ticking, but it’s not too late to choose people over pipelines and align investments with a 1.5°C future. Activists, human rights, and climate champions - now is the time to unite against the forces of destruction. Let’s make history at BRICS 2023.