KAMPALA, Uganda — Communities affected by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project are urging China to withdraw its support for the controversial pipeline, citing concerns over human rights abuses, environmental degradation, and irregular land acquisitions.
The appeal comes as reports emerge that China is considering funding the pipeline, which would transport oil from Uganda to Tanzania. The project has been marred by allegations of forced evictions, harassment of locals, and destruction of biodiversity hotspots.
“We urge the Chinese government to reconsider its support for the EACOP project,” said Balach Bakundane, coordinator of EACOP project affected persons. “The project has already caused significant harm to our communities, and we fear that China’s involvement will only exacerbate the situation.”
The communities have documented numerous problems associated with the project, including loss of fertile agricultural land, harassment and intimidation of residents, and significant biodiversity loss.
“We are not against development, but we want development that respects our rights and preserves our environment,” said Innocent Tumwebaze, chairperson of the Oil Refinery Residents Association. “We call on China to invest in renewable energy projects that would benefit local communities and promote sustainable development.”
The reported involvement of China in funding the EACOP project has sparked widespread condemnation from environmental and human rights groups, who argue that the project is incompatible with China’s commitments to sustainable development and human rights.
China’s involvement in the project would be a betrayal of its commitments to sustainable development and human rights, according to a spokesperson for the International Federation for Human Rights. The Chinese government has yet to comment on the reports.
The affected communities are urging China to take a responsible and sustainable approach to investment in Africa. “We hope that China will listen to our concerns and withdraw its support for the EACOP project,” said Bakundane. “We want to work with China to promote sustainable development and respect for human rights in Africa.”
