CSOs to China: Stop funding fossil fuel projects in Africa — focus on clean energy

Over 400 environmental activists and human rights organisations have asked China to stop funding fossil fuel projects in Africa.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, 350.org, a non-governmental organisation working to end the age of fossil fuels, said the CSOs gathered at Innisfree Park in Sandton, Johannesburg, to stage a protest targeting the Chinese delegation attending the BRICS Summit.

The demonstration was aimed at calling on China to immediately cease financing new fossil fuel and extractive projects in Africa that undermine global climate goals.

The protesters criticised China over its backing of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), and its associated oil drilling sites in Uganda and Tanzania as well as China’s involvement in the Musina-Makhado special economic zone in South Africa.

They also protested the Hwange coal-related projects in Zimbabwe and the Cabo Delgado gas projects in Mozambique — which they say are incompatible with China’s climate action and cooperation pledges to Global South countries.

They requested that China stay true to its commitment under the 2021 climate declaration with Africa, where it pledged no new coal projects abroad and greater support for adaptation.

“China must prove itself as a true friend to the continent by making a dramatic and practical shift toward the rapid and widespread development of renewable energy alternatives which promote sustainable and lasting job opportunities, far-reaching energy access and socio-economic and environmental well-being for communities across the continent,” the statement reads. 

‘FRIEND OF AFRICA WON’T FUND PROJECTS THAT DISPLACE COMMUNITIES’

Zaki Mamdoo, the #StopEACOP coordinator, said China’s rhetoric does not match reality and so it needs to enter a new partnership with Africa, one that is rooted in sustainability. 

“Projects like EACOP show China’s rhetoric doesn’t match reality. A true friend to Africa would not fund projects that displace communities, unravel livelihoods and destroy ecosystems. We are demanding a new partnership and development model, one rooted in the principles of justice, equity, transparency, sustainability and collective benefit,” Mamdoo said. 

“Africans should not have to suffer through another epoch of careless extraction and exploitation. We are here to assert the potential and need for Africa to lead the renewable energy revolution.”

Charity Migwi, Africa regional campaigner at 350.org, said: “China has the opportunity to step up and be the partner it claims to be to African nations by ending fossil fuel projects like EACOP once and for all. 

“Our livelihoods and shared future are at stake. It’s time for China to stand with African people by stopping the continued flow of finance to these harmful projects that enrich profit-hungry fossil fuel companies, and instead redirecting financing towards a sustainable and climate-compatible energy future built on renewables.”

Other heads of NGOs who joined the protest also called on the BRICS countries to keep their commitment to emissions reduction, while also demanding climate justice and an end to projects that adversely impact ordinary citizens across the continent.