Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — The undersigned organizations express deep concern regarding the escalating intimidation of Project-Affected People (PAPs) and activists who are raising their voices against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project in Tanzania.
Recent Events Raise Concerns
On March 11th, 2024, nine PAPs from Golimba and Diloda villages in Hanang District, Tanzania, reported to the District Commissioner’s office after receiving an official summons from the authorities on the 9th of March. They arrived to find police officers waiting for them. The PAPs were then split up and interrogated for several hours. It has been reported to us that during these interrogations, the PAPs were asked why they are resisting and/or are opposed to the EACOP project, who is supporting them, and whether they know and/or are working with specific Tanzania Civil Society actors who have been working to shed light on the environmental harm and human rights violations associated with the EACOP project.
They were subsequently released with instructions to report back to the Katesh police station on March 14th for further interrogation. The PAPs complied with the order and reported back to the police station on March 14th with a legal support team present. They were then told to report back on March 28th, 2024. As of today, no charges have been filed. We are aware that when the PAPs arrived at the police station on March 11, officials took their phones away and have not given them back to date.
This incident follows a disturbing pattern of arbitrary arrests and intimidation aimed at individuals who express criticism of the EACOP project. Notably, a similar situation occurred late last year when a Tanzanian activist was targeted and summoned to appear at the Stakishari police station in Dar es Salaam, upon returning from COP28.
We urge the Tanzanian government to:
- Immediately cease the harassment and intimidation of PAPs and activists who are exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
- Ensure transparency and accountability in all matters related to the EACOP project.
We call on TotalEnergies and CNOOC, the leading companies involved in EACOP, to:
- Publicly denounce the human rights violations taking place in Tanzania in connection with the project.
- Uphold their commitment to respecting communities and operating with the highest ethical standards.
- Refrain from placing profits above the well-being of local populations and the environment.
We urge international human rights organizations to:
- Take proactive measures to monitor and investigate these incidents and hold those responsible to account.
- Provide support and protection to individuals who are targeted for speaking out against the EACOP project.
Context:
The EACOP pipeline spans 1443 km, running from Hoima in Uganda to Tanga in Tanzania. Due to worries about the project’s possible effects on the environment, the insufficient compensation measures for the displaced populations, and the livelihood losses, the contentious project has encountered strong resistance. The project’s compliance with human rights norms is questioned in light of these recent intimidating instances.
Organizational endorsements:
- Global Witness
- Organization for Community Engagement (OCE), Tanzania
- GreenFaith, Uganda
- Green Conservers, Tanzania
- Tasha Research Institute Africa (TASHA), Uganda
- African Initiative on Food Security and Environment (AIFE), Uganda
- Youth for Green Communities (YGC), Uganda
- 350Africa.org
- Sekhukhune Environmental Justice Network, South Africa
- Centre for Citizens Conserving Environment & Management (CECIC), Uganda
- Lekeh Development Foundation, Nigeria
- Hawkmoth, International
- BankTrack, Netherlands
- Fridays for Future (FFF), Sierraleone
- The Eastern Africa Child Rights Network
- StopTotal, France
- Centre for Environmental Research and Agricultural Innovations (CERAI), Uganda
- Emonyo Yefwe International, Kenya
- Fridays for Future (FFF), Uganda
- YES N Amen Int., South Africa
- Extinction Rebellion, South Africa
- Corporate Europe Observatory, European Union
- The Steminist Foundation, Ghana
- Coal Action Network, United Kingdom
- Laudato Si’ Movement Africa
- Climate Clock DRC, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Susew Human Development Foundation, Nigeria
- Inclusive Development International
- The Socialist Youth Movement, South Africa
- Port Arthur Community Action Network (PACAN), United States
- ONG-ASHAD, Chad
- Africa Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO), Uganda
- Quest for Growth and Development Foundation, Nigeria
- GreenFaith, Nigeria
- Ecocycle Developmental Foundation, Nigeria
- GreenFaith, Japan
- JT Event, Nigeria
- Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), Nigeria
- Oil Refinery Residents Association (ORRA), Uganda
- Activista Nasarawa, Nigeria
- MHL, Nigeria
- National Association of University Students, Nigeria
- Green Best, Kenya
- Wote Youth Development Projects, Kenya
- Rainforest Rescue, International
- EcoSpatial Sustainability Movement, Nigeria
- Enviro Vito, South Africa
- Relief International Africa, Nigeria
- Care for Environment, Cameroon
- 350 Ghana
- Lift Humanity Foundation, Nigeria
- Youth for Green Nature (Y4GN), Democratic Republic of the Congo
- REFEB CI, Côte d’Ivoire
- Africa Bureau for Climate Stories (ABOS)
- Connected Advocacy for Empowerment and Youth Development initiative, Nigeria
- Greater Whange Residents Trust, Zimbabwe
- Centre for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development, Nigeria
- Leave it in the Ground Initiative (LINGO), Germany
- Centre for Citizens Rights, Nigeria
- FEMAPO, Tanzania
- Eco Clean Active Initiative, Nigeria
- Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA), Nigeria
- Women for Green Economy Movement, Uganda
- BreakFree Collective, Switzerland
- Community Development Advocacy Foundation, Nigeria
- REC Benin
- Save Our Sacred Lands, South Africa
- African Youth Development Action Project
- The Eldoret National Polytchnic, Kenya
- Green Leaf Advocacy and Empowerment Center, Nigeria
- AbibiNsroma Foundation, Ghana
- National Youth Inclusive Initiatives, Nigeria
- Guateng Housing Crisis Committee, South Africa
- Clean Creatives, South Africa
- African Center for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Ghana
- FORED, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Artspace.org, East Africa
- Binga District Residents Association, Zimbabwe