- Coordinated actions across Africa, Europe and North America highlight concerns over fossil fuel expansion and its social and environmental impacts.
- Activists in New York arrested during a protest targeting JPMorgan Chase over its support for fossil fuel projects, including the East African Crude Oil Pipeline.
- Organisers estimate that more than 1,000 people participated in protests, community forums, cultural events and educational activities throughout the week.
Communities, activists and civil society organisations across Africa, Europe and North America staged a series of coordinated protests and public events this week to coincide with the Annual General Meeting of TotalEnergies, drawing attention to concerns over fossil fuel expansion, rising living costs and the impacts of major energy projects on local communities.
The actions focused on projects including the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, the Mozambique LNG development and other fossil fuel investments associated with TotalEnergies.
In New York, campaigners temporarily disrupted operations at the headquarters of JPMorgan Chase, calling on the bank to withdraw support for TotalEnergies and EACOP. Several activists were arrested during the protest.
StopEACOP Campaign Coordinator Zaki Mamdoo said the action demonstrated international solidarity among communities and campaigners opposing fossil fuel expansion and financial backing for projects they view as harmful to people and the environment.
East African Crude Oil Pipeline map. Image credit: EACOP
In South Africa, hundreds of participants gathered to challenge what organisers described as the social, economic and environmental costs of fossil fuel extraction. Alongside demonstrations, community groups hosted public education sessions exploring alternatives such as community owned renewable energy systems.
In Uganda, activists assembled outside TotalEnergies offices carrying placards opposing EACOP and expressing solidarity with communities affected by displacement and land related grievances. The protest was dispersed after police vehicles arrived, although no arrests or injuries were reported.
Ugandan activist Bob Barigye said organisers had intended to remain at the site for 102 minutes to symbolise what they described as 102 years of environmental and social harm linked to the company, but chose to disperse peacefully due to concerns over the detention of environmental defenders in the country.
The protest followed community led activities in western Uganda, including a public tribunal in Hoima where project affected residents shared testimonies about the impacts they attribute to the pipeline project. In Kijumba, residents staged a peaceful road blockade to highlight concerns over infrastructure damage allegedly caused by heavy project related traffic.
Balach Bakundane, coordinator of the EACOP Host Communities organisation, said local residents continue to face challenges accessing clean water after community water sources were damaged during project development.
In Tanzania, communities in Tanga participated in public discussions on the impacts of large scale extractive projects and the commitments made to affected communities. Participants raised concerns around land access, livelihoods and compensation. In Muheza, residents hosted cultural dialogues featuring storytelling, poetry and discussions on land rights and environmental protection.
In Kenya, nearly 100 residents attended a community dialogue in Siaya County focused on a proposed nuclear energy project. Organised by members of the Social Justice Movement, the event addressed public participation, environmental concerns, safety and community involvement in development planning.
Campaigners, students, artists and faith groups also gathered in Nairobi for a Climate Artbuild Concert held at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa as part of Afrika Vuka Week. Discussions focused on energy affordability, electricity access and alternatives to fossil fuel based development.
In Edinburgh, activists targeting investors linked to TotalEnergies were unable to carry out a planned demonstration inside a building and instead held their protest outside. No arrests were reported.
Additional actions took place in Colombia and other countries, where campaigners raised concerns about accountability within the oil, gas and mining sectors.
According to organisers, more than 1,000 people participated in protests, community forums, cultural events, tribunals and educational activities during the week long campaign.
Senior campaigner Ferron Pedro of 350 South Africa said communities across the Global South are facing rising fuel prices, increasing living costs and growing climate related challenges, while major fossil fuel companies continue to report strong financial performance.
Organisers said all actions remained peaceful throughout the Global Week of Action. While arrests were reported in New York, they said police presence in Uganda and Scotland influenced some planned activities but did not result in violence.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
