Civil Society Calls for Action on Oil and Gas Expansion in the DRC

Kinshasa, 23 January 2025 – Civil society organisations (CSOs) and local community representatives advocating for good governance in the oil and gas sector convened in Kinshasa for a crucial workshop on “The Future of Oil and Gas Exploitation in the DRC in the Context of the 2015 Paris Agreement.”

This gathering took place amid rising concerns over the DRC government’s plans to expand oil and gas exploration, particularly in the Congo River Basin, a move that threatens the country’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. The discussions highlighted the contradiction between the DRC’s ambition to be a global climate “Solution Country” and its push for increased fossil fuel extraction.

As the DRC prepares to submit its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) in March 2025 and participate in COP30 in Brazil, civil society remains committed to ensuring that natural resource governance aligns with global climate goals. The country’s rich forests, biodiversity, and strategic minerals offer an opportunity to lead in sustainable development rather than expand fossil fuel extraction.

The full communiqué, including a list of signatory organisations, is available HERE.