October 14, 2024 – The Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Aimé Sakombi Molendo, made a significant announcement by declaring the cancellation of the bidding process for four oil blocks. This announcement follows a validation report from a commission set up the previous year, which highlighted numerous irregularities in the process: lack of acceptable applications, late submissions, and insufficient competition, among others.
This decision has been welcomed by many environmental defenders, including lawyer Olivier Ndoole, an advocate for climate justice and the protection of local communities’ rights. In an interview with Kilalopress, Ndoole emphasized the importance of this collective victory: “This is a major step forward for local communities and indigenous peoples who have risen to demand the cancellation of these bids. It shows that the government has listened, which is essential for democracy and transparency in managing natural resources.”
The cancellation of these oil blocks represents a potential turning point in the governance of natural resources in the DRC. Civil society actors interpret this decision as a break from a trend that favored the interests of multinationals at the expense of the rights of Congolese citizens. Ndoole stresses the need to develop alternative activities to ensure land rights for communities, protect forests, and address climate emergencies.
“We must now question the alternatives that the Ministry of Hydrocarbons can consider to ensure sustainable development,” he added. “The DRC has the opportunity to capitalize on this decision to steer its policies towards the well-being of local communities, focusing on climate justice.”
Ndoole also highlighted the importance of a land policy that could arise from this cancellation. “We hope that the minister, who has proven himself in his former position in land affairs, will continue to advocate for the rights of local communities in the hydrocarbon sector.”
This decision offers new hope for the future of the DRC, a country rich in natural resources but often plagued by destructive exploitation practices. The voices of environmental defenders, like Ndoole, are crucial for continuing to amplify the concerns of local populations and ensuring fair and sustainable management of resources.
The cancellation of these oil blocks is a beacon of hope for environmental justice in the DRC. It reminds us that listening to citizens and environmental advocates can lead to positive decisions for the planet and its inhabitants. The road ahead is still long, but each victory, no matter how small, is a step towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
By Franck Zongwe Lukama
