African Activists Rally Against Total Energies’ Exploitative Practices
African environmental activists have united in protest against Total Energies, accusing the energy giant of perpetuating environmental degradation and social injustice across the continent.
Led by Emily Nalwamba, CEO of the Lighthouse Foundation, these activists are demanding accountability and an end to fossil fuel exploitation in Africa.
Total Energies, a major player in the global energy sector, has come under fire for its continued investment in fossil fuel projects despite mounting evidence of their detrimental impacts on the environment and local communities.
According to Ms. Nalwamba, the company’s practices not only contribute to climate change but also result in human rights violations and economic disparities in Africa.
Among the projects drawing criticism is the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which has displaced numerous Africans and caused irreparable damage to ecosystems. Activists argue that such ventures prioritize profit over the wellbeing of people and the planet, exacerbating the climate crisis in the process.
Furthermore, Total Energies has been accused of “greenwashing” and “sportswashing” its image through initiatives like its sponsorship of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which activists see as attempts to mask the company’s destructive agenda.
Ms. Nalwamba and her fellow activists are calling for urgent climate funding to support renewable energy transitions in Africa, as well as reparations for the losses and damages caused by fossil fuel extraction.
They emphasize the need for collective action to hold polluting companies accountable and to advocate for sustainable energy solutions.
The United Nations Environment Programme has echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of phasing out fossil fuel production to mitigate the impacts of climate change. It has called for reductions in both the supply and demand for fossil fuels to achieve this goal.
As protests gain momentum across the continent, activists are urging consumers to embrace community-based solutions and adopt more sustainable energy consumption practices. They emphasize that the time for action is now to secure a sustainable future for Africa and the planet.
Total Energies has yet to respond to these allegations, but pressure is mounting for the company to address its role in perpetuating environmental and social harm in Africa.
As the battle against fossil fuel giants rages on, African activists remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding their communities and the environment from exploitation.
