The auctioning of oil and gas blocks in the Democratic Republic of Congo: an ecological, socio-economic and

In the context of the 30 oil and gas blocks auction, and the wider promotion of extractive activities in the DRC, and in light of the commitments made since the COP21 in Paris to promote renewable energies, we Congolese civil society organizations, youth movements and indigenous pygmy peoples, are united behind the conviction that preserving the environment is a moral duty and a responsibility tow. [...] In this context, and on the eve of the Conference of the Parties on climate change, COP28, we jointly express our opposition to the selling of oil and gas blocks in the DRC, for the following reasons: l To date, the bidding process for the 27 oil and 3 gas blocks has been marked by a number of illegalities and inconsistencies on the legal and regulatory framework, as well as concerns about complia. [...] l As the country has already demonstrated on many occasions, the exploitation of natural resources in conflict zones, as in the case of the Eastern provinces of the DRC, often exacerbates these conflicts and encourages criminality. [...] l Defending the right to prior consultation and participation of local communities and indigenous peoples in decision-making concerning any planned development in their territories, and secure respect for the law on the protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous pygmy people of 2022. [...] l Equality in the sharing of the benefits of economic growth, with a strong emphasis on the fight against poverty and the inclusion of traditionally disadvantaged groups.