DRC warned on exploiting oil in fragile ecosystems

Environmentalists in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have warned that the Kinshasa government’s bold intention to exploit oil reserves in the 27 oil blocks is precarious to the environment and livelihoods.

They further warn that some of the consequences of oil exploitation are irreversible and affect generations.

In an interview with Kazi-njema News, Mr John Lufukaribu Tolly, the Director for FORED a Bunia city-based Civil Society Organisation (CSO) says they fear that the exploitation will degrade the livelihoods of the most vulnerable poor.

He notes that almost all the 27 oil blocks advertised for exploration are located in fragile ecosystems including key water bodies of Lakes Albert and Edward alongside the national parks like Virunga and the crucial Congo forest.

Mr Lufukaribu cites the Monanda oil plant experience surrounded with allegations of negatively impacting on the natural environment, health and livelihoods in the host communities in the same country.

The oil exploration blocks advertised by the DRC government’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons at the beginning of this year include Block 1, Block 2 and Block 3 around Lake Albert and River Semuliki parts of Kasenyi and Mahagi and Block 4 and Block 5 around the areas of Lake Edward in the Virunga National Park.

Interested conglomerates across the globe have started applying.

On the other hand, Mr Faustin Nyebone, the National Executive Director for Appui aux Initiatives Communautaire de Conservation de l’environnement et de Développement Durable (AICED), says their position as lovers of nature is that the government should first concentrate on exploiting other environmentally friendly natural resources and leave fossil fuels in the ground.

“There has been a law prohibiting the exploitation of oil resources in fragile ecosystems but abruptly amended when government picked interest in oil exploitation in 2014.  The reasons for that old law were genuine and still stand in the interest of livelihoods of the vulnerable populations and the general environment. The decision is unfortunate especially at this time when global warming is increasing,” he argues.

Asked about the government stand that oil exploitation will boost the national economy and change the lives of Congolese for better, Mr Nyebone challenged that the existing resources like gold, uranium and copper are enough if the life of Congolese was to change for good.

To his opinion, the existing natural resources have not benefited the ordinary Congolese but rather escalated the presence of militia groups and consequent insecurity.

He fears that with the already existing challenges caused by mineral exploitation, oil might just exacerbate conflicts and environmental challenges.

“Oil exploitation will benefit a few Congolese and foreigners but will absolutely have negative effects to Congolese in host communities and secondly the nationals before spreading to the entire globe,” says Mr Nyebone.

“Article 155 of the Constitution of the DRC discouraged exploitation of oil in fragile ecosystems like water bodies and national parks. The consequences remain underlying and we do not think DRC should think of fossil fuels at the time the world is looking at renewable energy sources. That law was amended in 2015 following environmentalists warning on exploration in Lake Edward in 2014,” he adds.

Audio: Nyebone on oil exploitation (Kiswahili)

In response to the concerns raised by the CSOs, Mr Justin Vawheka, Chief of the Bureau of Water Resources and Environmental Coordination in Ituri Province, says the government has widely consulted to ensure that the side effects of oil exploration as minimised as much as possible.

He does not dismiss the fact that if mishandled, oil exploitation can have horrendous effects on the water resources and livelihoods.

“The law in Congo does not stop oil exploitation. No! It allows oil exploitation but protect environment and avoid side effects. It helps people to get jobs and income and be able to help Congolese today and tomorrow. We cannot forget the millions of people that live around these water bodies like Lake Albert,” says Mr Vawheka.

The fears surface as Uganda takes serious steps towards preparing the oil fields for oil production on the eastern side of the shared Lake Albert Rift Valley.

Some COSs and host communities in Uganda, too, have already reported environmental issues some of which the government and oil companies have in press statements committed to address or investigate.

If the two countries or one of them mishandle the oil developments, life and sources of income on the shared water resources will become complicated if not terminated.