Congolese protesters demand cancelation of Soco oil permits
Posted on 27 March 2014 |
Goma, DRC - Over 50 protestors assembled peacefully in the street
Monday holding banners proclaiming "no to oil" in Virunga National
Park. UK company Soco International PLC says it will begin seismic
testing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) World Heritage
Site next month.
Activists argue that oil exploitation could pose a threat to essential
fishing and agricultural jobs, and could enflame conflicts in eastern
DRC where peace has been achieved only recently.
Community groups appealed for greater investment to unlock the tourism
potential of Africa's most biodiverse protected area, home to
critically endangered mountain gorillas, as well as for assistance to
bolster the fishery and agricultural industries.
"Virunga National Park could be an engine for sustainable economic
development for the country and future generations," civil society
groups said in a written statement.
One woman who sells fish caught in Virunga's Lake Edward says her
business has enabled her to afford an education she otherwise could
not.
"We can't tolerate seeing oil activities destroying our source of
income," she said. "What will we become without Lake Edward?"
"I've joined the protest because I want to add my voice to those of
many of my brothers who live in fear regarding their future because of
the oil project in Virunga National Park," the fish-seller said.
Asked if she was concerned about speaking out publically in protest
she said, "I'm not afraid, because I defend my right- the right to a
healthy environment."
Police on the scene of Monday's protest ensured participants were able
to express safely their opposition to oil exploration in Virunga. The
event's organizers noted that threats against some anti-oil activists
have been recorded over the previous years.
A declaration issued at the protest complained that Soco did not
provide communities with a sufficient amount of information about the
risks of its operations, and that civil society views were not taken
into account.
"The free, prior and informed consent of communities affected by oil
activities in Virunga National Park has not been respected," according
to the written statement, which goes on to request the cancelation of
Soco's exploration permits.
STAND WITH VIRUNGA ACTIVISTS. TELL SOCO TO GET OUT NOW.
Photo: Women against oil exploration hold poster, "Our law guarantees
the protection of nature. And you?"
(c) Edgar Mbekemoja
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