Kinshasa, November 27, 2025 – The coalition “Our Land Without Oil”, in partnership with the Congolese Alert for the Environment and Human Rights (ACEDH) and community leaders from Lakes Albert and Edward, held an exceptional press briefing this Wednesday at Silikin Village. The purpose: to officially announce the launch of a historic climate litigation case before the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), case number 47/2025, targeting the DRC, Uganda, and the Secretary-General of the EAC.
According to the speakers, this legal action stems from an ecological disaster observed on the ground. In September 2025, during peak fishing season, local communities noticed a sudden and unexplained decline in fish catches in Lakes Albert and Edward. These observations were corroborated by a scientific report from the Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW) published on October 2, 2025, which establishes a direct link between Uganda’s Tilenga and Kingfisher oil projects and a major risk of eutrophication and chemical contamination, threatening the food security of millions.
The plaintiffs denounce serious violations of the East African Community Treaty, including:
- The lack of consultation with Congolese communities while Uganda was developing infrastructure along the border;
- The absence of cross-border environmental impact assessments on Congolese territory;
- Inaction by the Congolese state, accused of leaving its populations exposed to industrial risks without protection;
- Endangerment of sensitive ecosystems, such as Virunga National Park, Ramsar wetlands, and the unique biodiversity of Lakes Albert and Edward.
The Secretary-General of the EAC is also implicated for failing in his supervisory role and in ensuring member states’ compliance with the Treaty. The petitioners are asking the Court for the immediate cessation of polluting activities, an independent environmental audit, and full compensation for damages suffered by fishing communities.
At the press briefing, on behalf of the petitioners, the coalition spokesperson emphasized the historic importance of this case:
“Today is a crucial day for our communities. Through the media, we want to inform the public about the proceedings before the EACJ. This trial is not an individual struggle but a fight for all Congolese populations and the region, to protect the ecological balance of Lakes Albert and Edward and to combat food insecurity.”
“Oil projects directly threaten our environment and compromise our climate future. We are asking the Court to immediately halt polluting activities, carry out an independent environmental audit, and ensure full reparation for the fishing communities affected. We also call on journalists to relay this message to the public and on the Congolese government to assume its responsibilities in defending the rights and safety of citizens. Our fight is guided by human protection, the Constitution of the DRC, the Paris Agreement, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. We have full confidence in the EACJ to uphold the ‘Polluter Pays’ principle and to guarantee the survival of our lakes and future generations.”
ACEDH and its partners reaffirm their determination to achieve justice and ensure the sustainable protection of the Albertine Rift’s natural resources. The official launch of this legal procedure marks an unprecedented milestone in environmental advocacy in East Africa and places local communities at the center of the fight to safeguard their future and livelihoods.
By Kilalopress
