Oil & Gas

350Africa has issued a strong condemnation of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government’s recent decision to open 52 new oil blocks in the Cuvette Centrale basin. This move, announced during the Council of Ministers on May 2nd, 2025, poses a serious threat to the Congo Basin’s ecosystems, the global climate, and the rights of local communities. As part of the "Notre Terre Sans Pétrole" coalition, 350Africa is calling for an immediate halt to this project and a countrywide moratorium on oil and gas exploration.

The decision contradicts years of activism and public resistance, including a 2023 petition supported by over 100,000 global citizens and numerous international NGOs. 350Africa and its allies argue that oil and gas expansion in the Congo is a reckless step that undermines DRC’s reputation as a climate leader and “solution country” on the global stage. This latest announcement is not just a policy failure—it’s a direct attack on climate justice and environmental responsibility.

Christian Hounkannou, Regional Organiser with 350Africa.org, emphasized that the oil expansion is a betrayal of local communities striving for clean, renewable energy. “We cannot speak of a just transition while destroying ecosystems and ignoring the voices of the most affected,” he said, calling out the hypocrisy in the government's approach. Previous oil ventures, such as those in Moanda, have led to pollution, unrest, and unmet promises of development, further fueling skepticism.

While the government claims that transparency and environmental safeguards are in place, activists argue that these measures do little to address the root problem. Fossil fuel expansion in one of the world’s key carbon sinks is unacceptable, especially given the urgent need for a renewable energy transition in Africa. 350Africa is urging the DRC to invest in people-centered clean energy solutions that protect forests, uphold Indigenous rights, and create a sustainable future.