The company TotalEnergies, already under fire from environmental associations, is facing a new complaint which risks causing a stir. Four NGOs have decided to file a complaint against the oil giant, accusing it of “climatecide” in the context of its oil extraction projects in Tanzania and Uganda. This trial, which is out of the ordinary, aims to hold TotalEnergies responsible for its activities before the criminal justice system.
Until now, the associations’ complaints were limited to civil courts, but this time, they have decided to take a further step by taking the matter to criminal justice. In a statement, lawyers for the NGOs said it was time to hold the company accountable for its actions.
TotalEnergies’ operating projects in Uganda and Tanzania are at the heart of the associations’ criticism. These include a 1,500 kilometer oil pipeline project linking western Uganda to the Tanzanian coast, as well as the exploitation of 400 oil wells in Uganda’s largest national park.
Since the announcement of these projects, the associations have been fiercely opposed to their realization. They highlight the significant risks for the environment, highlighting the negative impact on the fragile ecosystem of the region. In addition, they also denounce the massive population displacements caused by these projects. A Human Rights Watch report even claimed that these displacements had already devastated the livelihoods of thousands of people.
Faced with these accusations, TotalEnergies defends itself by claiming to respect its own operating standards. However, the associations believe that these arguments are not enough and that it is high time to take concrete measures to preserve the environment and local communities.
This case highlights the complexity of the environmental issues faced by large companies in the oil sector. It also underlines the growing importance of associations in the fight against environmental damage. Hoping that this complaint leads to concrete measures to protect our planet and its inhabitants.