Who: The StopEACOP campaign will join other movements, civil society organisations, and communities impacted by extractive projects across Africa in demanding the cancellation of Africa Energy Week.
What: Africa Energy Week, now in its third convening, is scheduled to take place in Cape Town from 4th – 8th November and has become a platform for promoting fossil fuels and undermining the continent’s sustainability agenda. The event features strong fossil fuel supporters including the leader of the Communication Task Force and Spokesperson for the Tilenga and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) projects at TotalEnergies, the Managing Director at TotalEnergies, the Global Head of Energy and Infrastructure at Standard Bank, the CEO of the Ugandan Chamber of Mines and Petroleum, the Vice President of Exploration in Africa from TotalEnergies, and the CEO of Uganda’s National Oil Company, among others. The protesters are coming together to demand the cancellation of Africa Energy Week (AEW) and calling for a shift from fossil fuels to sustainable energy solutions in Africa.
When: Tuesday, 8th October from 9:00 am South African Time (10:00 am East African Time)
Where: The demonstration will start at Sandton Central Park, Corner Grayston and Sandton Drive, and proceed to the African Energy Chamber, Corner Katherine and West Streets, Johannesburg. Though taking place in Cape Town, Africa Energy Week is a product of the African Energy Chamber, hence the decision to protest outside their offices in Johannesburg.
Why: The StopEACOP campaign is joining this protest because the event has been co-opted by the fossil fuel industry to lock the continent into a fossil fuel-dependent future, prioritizing corporate profits over environmental concerns and community well-being. Other key reasons include:
- The event’s focus is on accelerating upstream projects and featuring supporters of controversial initiatives like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
- Participation of high-profile speakers from TotalEnergies, Standard Bank, and other entities involved in fossil fuel projects
- Concerns about the environmental impact and human rights violations associated with projects like EACOP
- The African Energy Chamber’s perceived misuse of anti-neocolonial rhetoric to promote fossil fuel projects
Protesters demand:
- Cancellation of Africa Energy Week
- Transparency and accountability in the dealings of the African Energy Chamber and its partners
- African leaders prioritize people’s needs over corporate interests
- Rejection of fossil fuel expansion in favour of public renewable energy networks
Media representatives are invited to attend the protest and interview organizers and participants. Spokespeople from organizing groups will be available for interviews. See media contacts below to arrange.
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Media Contacts:
Abiud Onyach
Digital Communications, StopEACOP Campaign
abiud.onyach@350.org
Anna Amar
Interim Africa Communications Manager, 350.org
anna.amar@350.org