Press release- Communities, campaigners and civil society groups hold coordinated actionshighlighting concerns over fossil fuel expansion, rising living costs and impacts on
affected communities Communities, activists and civil society organizations from Africa, Europe and North America staged coordinated protests, community dialogues, cultural events and public forums this week to coincide with TotalEnergies’ Annual General Meeting (AGM), while activists in New York were arrested during an action targeting JP Morgan Chase over its support for the fossil fuel projects including the controversial East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
The protests coincided with the TotalEnergies AGM, where shareholders gathered. Organizers used the occasion to spotlight projects such as EACOP, Mozambique LNGand other fossil fuel developments associated with TotalEnergies.
Organizers in New York temporarily shut down the headquarters of JP Morgan Chase, calling on the bank to end support for TotalEnergies and EACOP before the police arrested several of the activists.
“In a profound show of solidarity that embodies the spirit and meaning of internationalism, protestors in New York were arrested shutting down JPMorgan Chase
HQ — the world’s biggest fossil fuel funder over the past five years – to call out its support for TotalEnergies and the destructive EACOP.”, said StopEACOP Campaign Coordinator, Zaki Mamdoo In South Africa, hundreds gathered to challenge the social, economic and environmental costs of fossil fuel extraction. Alongside demonstrations, participants hosted public education sessions exploring alternatives to fossil fuel-dependent
energy systems, including community-owned renewable energy.
In Uganda, activists gathered outside TotalEnergies ‘offices carrying placards opposing EACOP and expressing solidarity with communities facing displacement and land-related grievances. Organizers dispersed after about 48 minutes when police vehicles arrived, citing concerns over recent arrests. No arrests or injuries were reported.
“Our intention was to remain outside Total offices for 102 minutes to symbolize the 102years of total mess but when the police showed up and knowing the prolonged
detention of environmental defenders in Uganda, we decided to disperse peacefully”, said Ugandan activist, Bob Barigye.
This action followed community-led activities elsewhere in Uganda, including a tribunal in Hoima where project-affected people shared testimony about the impacts they say the pipeline project has had on their lives and livelihoods. In Kijumba, residents staged a peaceful road blockade highlighting concerns over infrastructure damage linked to heavy EACOP-project traffic. “Today the ongoing EACOP project has greatly contributed to human and environmental rights violations, ” said Balach Bakundane, one of the EACOP project affected people, and coordinator of the EACOP-Host Communities (EACOP-HC) organisation.
“The people of Kijumba Village continue to depend on dirty water after community water sources were destroyed during project development. Communities cannot continue to suffer while corporations profit. ”
In Tanzania, communities in Tanga participated in public discussions examining the impacts of large-scale extraction projects and the promises made to affected communities. Participants discussed land access, livelihoods and compensation, while community members in Muheza hosted a cultural dialogue 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. Organized by members of the Social Justice Movement, discussions centered on public participation, land rights, environmental concerns, safety and community involvement in development decisions.
In Nairobi, campaigners, students, artists and faith groups gathered at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa for a Climate Artbuild Concert as part of Afrika Vuka Week.
The event explored energy affordability, access to electricity and alternatives to fossil fuel-dependent development through music, art and public discussion.
In Edinburgh, Scotland, activists targeting investors linked to TotalEnergies were prevented from carrying out a planned action inside a building and instead held their
demonstration outside. No arrests were reported. Additional actions took place in Colombia and other countries where campaigners highlighted concerns about oil, gas and mining companies that operate with impunity and general corporate accountability.
“People across the Global South are facing rising fuel prices, rising living costs and worsening climate impacts while major fossil fuel companies continue reporting record profits. Communities are increasingly demanding energy systems that serve public needs rather than corporate interests.“, said Ferron Pedro, Senior Campaignerwith 350 South Africa.
Organizers estimate that more than 1,000 people participated in protests, community forums, cultural events, tribunals and educational activities throughout the week.
No violent incidents were reported during the Global Week of Action. While police made arrests in New York, their presence in other cities may have altered or restricted some planned activities in Uganda and Scotland, but organizers said actions remained peaceful throughout.
TotalEnergies has not issued a direct response to the Kick Polluters Out Global Week of Action.
