By 
The StopEACOP Coalition, in collaboration with various South African civil society organisations, community-based organisations, climate and environmental activists, cordially invites journalists to cover a protest against the Chinese state and various Chinese companies’ involvement in numerous extractive and damaging projects across the African continent. The demonstration will take place on August 23, 2023, during the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.
WHY: Despite China’s claims of friendship with Africa, China’s actions often tell a different story – one of destructive, exploitative, and resource-driven endeavours that lay bare the reality of Chinese “development” on the continent. The time has come to demand better from this rising global power, urging them to change their approach and prioritise the well-being and prosperity of African nations and their citizens, especially frontline communities devastated by the fossil fuel industry. This requires that China reassess its involvement in numerous harmful projects across the continent and adopt a partnership model rooted in the principles of equity, justice, transparency and collective benefit for communities, workers and citizens.
WHAT: Chinese actors, including the Chinese National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and the Industrial Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), are actively supporting controversial projects across the continent like TotalEnergies’ East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which is set to be the world’s longest heated crude oil pipeline, and is already mired in controversy due to grave human and environmental rights violations, leading to forced relocations, inadequate compensation, violence against defenders, and potential destruction of ecosystems vital to millions. Other Chinese entities, such as the China Exim Bank and Sinosure, have also been reported as potential backers of the EACOP project. Civil Society groups and climate and environmental Activists in South Africa are therefore planning a protest against Chinese involvement in EACOP and other extractive and damaging projects across the African continent, including the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone in South Africa, the Hwange coal-related projects in Zimbabwe, and the Cabo Delgado gas projects in Mozambique.
WHERE: The protests will take place at Innesfree Park in Sandton, Johannesburg (South Africa).
WHEN: 23rd of August 2023, from 10 am SAST
WHO: The StopEACOP Coalition, in solidarity with like-minded and progressive organisations, individuals, and groups across South Africa, Including EarthLife Africa, 350Africa.org, and numerous community-based organisations.
HOW: Journalists are invited to attend the protest at Innesfree Park to cover the event and gain insights from key spokespeople and participants.
