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Daily Maverick
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Imprisoned activist MPs in Eswatini highlight a growing crisis of civic freedoms across Africa
Mduduzi Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube's ongoing imprisonment is more than a national tragedy. It is a warning about a dangerous continent-wide trend of unchecked state repression. This month marks four years since Eswatini's pro-democracy activists and former members of parliament, Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube, were arrested — and one year since they were sentenced under the country's notorious Suppression of Terrorism Act for calling for democratic reform. During the June 2021 pro-democracy protests in Eswatini, Mabuza and Dube exercised their constitutional mandate by raising alarm over the unrest, calling for national dialogue and participating in the demonstrations. Rather than heeding calls for dialogue put forward by a number of people, including civil society actors, elders and leaders across the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region, King Mswati ultimately rejected dialogue in favour of brute force. In response to their activism, the Eswatini authorities subjected Mabuza and Dube to irregular trials and harsh sentences, sending a chilling message to others in the pro-democracy movement. Four years later, they remain behind bars, a harsh reflection of how easily democratic ideals are betrayed when the world looks away. To push for their release, Civicus added Mabuza and Dube to its flagship Stand As My Witness campaign. Inspired by the global movement to free Nelson Mandela, Stand As My Witness mobilises people around the world to draw attention to jailed human rights defenders and demand their release. Like Mandela, Mabuza and Dube have been imprisoned for daring to speak out against injustice. But Mabuza and Dube's ongoing imprisonment is more than a national tragedy. It is a warning about a dangerous continent-wide trend of unchecked state repression. Across Africa, from Eswatini to Algeria, Senegal to Tanzania, speaking truth to power is increasingly treated as a criminal offence. More and more, opposition leaders like Mabuza and Dube, as well as whistle-blowers and civil society voices, are under threat. A continental crisis East Africa may be the epicentre of this crisis. Last month, Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang died in police custody after being arrested for allegedly defaming a senior police official. Likewise, Rose Njeri, a young software developer, was arrested and charged under cybercrime laws for building a tool that enabled citizens to submit objections to a controversial finance Bill. In neighbouring Uganda, 11 environmental activists were arrested on 23 April for peacefully marching to deliver a letter to KCB Bank, which supports the controversial East African Crude Oil Pipeline. Meanwhile, Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu remains in detention following his April 2025 arrest for agitating for democratic reform. He faces spurious charges of treason, an offence that carries the death penalty in Tanzania. In West Africa, Senegalese pro-democracy organiser Alioune Sané of the Y'en a Marre movement was arrested in late 2023 and released only early this year. In North Africa, Egyptian human rights lawyer Hoda Abdel Moneim — who is part of the Stand As My Witness campaign — languishes behind bars. So does Tunisian humanitarian worker Mustapha Jemmali, who authorities detained on spurious financial charges, widely seen as retaliation for his refugee advocacy. Concern is not enough These arrests form a broader trend of shrinking civic space in Africa. The Civicus Monitor, which tracks civic freedoms globally, reports that more than 90% of Africans now live in countries where civic space is restricted, repressed or closed. The global response? Far too often: diplomatic silence, performative concern, or reactive statements after the damage is done. Media coverage is frequently short-lived and quickly forgotten. But concern alone is no longer sufficient, not when elected members of parliament are behind bars for doing their jobs, and not when ordinary people are arrested for taking to the streets to voice dissent. If repression is becoming the norm, then our solidarity must rise to meet this moment. It must move beyond symbolic declarations to coordinated and sustained action. Fortunately, we know that international pressure and solidarity work. The Stand As My Witness campaign, as part of sustained global advocacy, has helped contribute to the release of 31 people globally so far, like Algerian human rights defenders Zakaria Hannache and Kamira Nait Said, Burundian journalist Floriane Irangabiye, and Zimbabwean union leader Obert Masaraure. Knowing that international advocacy can lead to someone's release is why we keep pushing, and why we encourage others to join us. Together, we can make a difference for Mabuza and Dube in Eswatini. Time to act on Eswatini Securing Mabuza and Dube's freedom requires serious global action. Eswatini is due to undergo its next Universal Periodic Review at the UN in 2026, so global voices should begin raising the alarm now to shape that process and demand the immediate and unconditional release of Mabuza and Dube. African institutions, particularly the African Union and the regional blocs, must rise to the occasion. They need to act decisively when member states violate democratic norms. Multilateral pressure cannot be reserved for coups alone — the slow suffocation of dissent warrants equal urgency. To that end, SADC leaders should encourage King Mswati to return to dialogue. Donor countries and diplomatic partners must also centre civic space in bilateral relations. 'Quiet diplomacy' has too often been a cover for inaction. Governments that imprison critics while accepting development aid must be held to higher standards. Recent responses to Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act offer a glimpse of what stronger accountability can look like. The United States removed Uganda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), imposed visa bans on officials and redirected millions in development assistance. The World Bank suspended new funding to the country. This kind of accountability must become the norm, not the exception, especially when dissidents and elected officials are jailed with impunity. Protect civil society Further, donors must support and protect local civil society. These organisations are often the only line of defence for activists, journalists and political prisoners. They provide legal aid, they document abuses and raise awareness, yet many are underfunded, under threat, and increasingly operating in fear. Finally, people around the world must raise their voices and push their leaders to act for Mabuza and Dube. People power works, but only if we use it. After all, international pressure to release Nelson Mandela did not come from nowhere. It was the result of sustained advocacy around the world at the grassroots level. Mabuza and Dube need the same. Indeed, Mandela's legacy is not only about freedom once won, it is about defending that freedom wherever it is at risk. Today, that risk is acute. Mandela once said: 'To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.' By that measure, Mabuza and Dube's ongoing detention is not just a local injustice, it is a mirror of our continent's broader retreat from democratic values. Their story challenges all of us: to speak louder, act sooner, and stand in true solidarity with those behind bars for defending rights we too often take for granted. It is a test of conscience, one we are dismally failing. We still have time to choose differently. To stand as their witness. And to prove that solidarity is more than sentiment, it is action. DM Kgalalelo Gaebee is a communications and advocacy professional working on human rights and civic space across Africa and globally. Dr Paul Mulindwa is Civicus's advocacy and campaigns officer – Africa lead, bringing more than two decades of experience in peacebuilding, governance and humanitarian programmes across Africa. He has a PhD in Governance and International Relations from the University of Johannesburg.
Business Insider
18-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
World's longest heated oil pipeline hits 64.5% completion, earns Tanzania TSh50 billion
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), also known as the Uganda–Tanzania Crude Oil Pipeline (UTCOP), has reached a significant implementation milestone, with 64.5% of construction now complete. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline, stretching 1,443 kilometers, is 64.5% complete and will be the world's longest heated pipeline. Its development has contributed approximately $19.5 million to Tanzania's revenue through taxes and levies. The $5 billion project employs 1,200 Tanzanians and aims to enhance regional economic and trade integration. The Uganda–Tanzania Crude Oil Pipeline has generated TSh50 billion (approximately $19.5 million) in revenue for Tanzania through various taxes and levies. This supports the project's projection of boosting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in both countries by over 60% during the construction phase, according to the official factsheet. Stretching 1,443 kilometers, it is the world's longest heated crude oil pipeline and is designed to transport Uganda's crude from Kabaale-Hoima in western Uganda to the Chongoleani Peninsula near Tanzania's Tanga Port. This cross-border infrastructure project is a cornerstone of East Africa's energy strategy and a catalyst for regional economic transformation. The heated pipeline is embedded with electrical filaments and fiber-optic cables along its entire length to ensure the safe, efficient flow of crude oil. The heating system prevents the waxy Ugandan crude from solidifying, while the fiber-optic network supports real-time satellite monitoring and leak detection to mitigate environmental risks. In addition to the export route, Hoima (Uganda) will host a domestic refinery, allowing part of the crude output to be refined for local use while the remainder will be exported via Tanga, integrating the project into global energy markets. Tanzania eyes revenue, jobs from project The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is a $5 billion joint venture involving TotalEnergies (62%), Uganda National Oil Corporation (15%), Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (15%), and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (8%). The 1,443-kilometre pipeline, set to be the world's longest heated crude oil pipeline, has already generated approximately TSh50 billion (about $19.5 million) in revenue for Tanzania through development levies, taxes, and various construction-related charges. Tanzania's EACOP Project Coordinator, Mr. Asiadi Mrutu, revealed during a recent televised appearance on TBC1 that the project has so far employed 1,200 Tanzanians, including 346 workers from surrounding communities like Chongoleani. This progress is seen as a significant boost to local employment and infrastructure growth. Tanzania's Energy Ministry spokesperson Ms. Neema Mbuja expressed satisfaction with the project's implementation, noting that it is advancing in line with the 2021 agreement.
Daily Maverick
04-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Just Share accuses Standard Bank of evasion in climate reporting, calls for comprehensive accountability
Three years after a near-unanimous shareholder vote for greater climate accountability, Standard Bank is being accused of missing the mark on climate targets. At Standard Bank's 2022 annual general meeting, shareholders overwhelmingly voted in favour of a climate resolution calling for greater transparency and emission reduction commitments. Co-filed by Aeon Investment Management and shareholder activism organisation Just Share, the advisory resolution passed, backed by 99.74% of shareholders. It laid out the following roadmap: 31 March 2023: Report progress on calculating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from oil and gas exposure. 31 March 2024: Disclose a baseline of these emissions. 31 March 2025: Publish short-, medium- and long-term reduction targets aligned with the Paris Agreement. Now Just Share is accusing Standard Bank of delivering an 'incomplete picture' of its fossil fuel involvement by adjusting the metric tools by which it holds itself accountable. What you should know about the Paris Agreement, the APS and financial institutions Click on each block in the infographic for a pop-up explanation. Changing the metric or the mission? According to Standard Bank, it has ticked the baseline disclosure box. The bank's 2024 Climate Related Financial Disclosures Report states that its baseline disclosure has been 'completed for oil and gas'. What the bank has actually disclosed, Just Share argues, covers just 19% of its total oil and gas exposure and only 82% of on-balance sheet upstream oil and gas loans. 'It has not provided a timeline for setting targets for mid and downstream exposure,' said Karishma Bhoolia, a senior climate risk analyst at Just Share. 'This incomplete picture of Standard Bank's oil and gas exposure allows the bank to downplay the significant impact that its involvement in midstream projects such as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline will have on its oil and gas exposure and financed emissions.' Oil and gas value chain explained Upstream: Exploration and extraction of oil and gas Midstream: Transportation and storage thereof Downstream: Refining oil and gas and selling it to customers Moving the goalposts Standard Bank's 2022 Climate Policy committed the bank to reducing upstream oil and gas exposure by 5% by 2030. This target is nowhere to be found in the bank's 2025 Climate Policy. Now Standard Bank commits to ensuring that oil and gas lending remains under 3% of its total loans and advances by 2030. According to Just Share, this new figure is both weaker and more ambiguous. The updated policy is based around physical intensity metrics (a measure of emissions per barrel of oil) without accompanying absolute targets or timelines, a report by Just Share states. 'The targets are weaker than those contained in the bank's 2022 Climate Policy and allow the bank to significantly increase its exposure to oil and gas,' Boohlia said. Boitumelo Sethlatswe, the head of sustainability at Standard Bank, said that their updated targets and disclosures balanced climate ambition with the realities of sub-Saharan Africa's development needs. 'We have set robust, measurable targets that directly address our material oil and gas financed emissions,' he said. 'These include a 10% reduction in physical intensity for upstream oil and gas, limiting upstream exposure to 3% of total loans, and ensuring we finance at least three times more renewable energy than non-renewable power.' These targets are grounded in the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Announced Pledges Scenario (APS), which is compatible with the Paris Agreement's objectives, Sethlatswe said. What is a baseline emission? An article by global consulting firm McKinsey describes baseline emissions as a 'footprint', meaning a measure of emissions recorded during a specific period, like a year. This measure is then taken as a starting point against which to measure change. From Paris to pledges The bank appears to have reoriented its climate ambition away from the Paris Agreement. In its 2024 Climate Related Financial Disclosures Report, the bank states that it is 'committed to the goals of the Paris Agreement'. While the 2022 policy referenced targets aligned with the Paris Agreement, the updated 2025 version uses the IEA's Announced Pledges Scenario (APS) as a pathway, which is a model that assumes countries will meet their net zero targets, probably leading to a 1.7℃ temperature rise by 2100. While the IEA's Net Zero by 2050 scenario (which aligns with 1.5℃ ) is mentioned, the only reference to the Paris Agreement in the 2025 Climate Policy is to its principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities'. No explanation is offered for the change. Standard Bank maintains that its current actions deliver on the requirements of the 2022 shareholder resolution. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline elephant One of the blind spots in Standard Bank's climate reporting, according to Just Share, is midstream oil and gas, which includes its potential financing of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). Just Share says that the 2030 limit the bank touts applies only to upstream investments and that there is no restriction on midstream and downstream exposure. 'EACOP funding is a midstream oil and gas asset,' Boohlia explained. 'The 2030 limit has no impact on this funding. Thus, Standard Bank could continue to fund EACOP and other projects like it without limit.' Standard Bank's oil and gas portfolio accounts for nearly 80% of its operational emissions, according to Sethlatswe. 'We continue to work on improving data availability for midstream and downstream activities, which will inform future target setting,' he said. How does Standard Bank stack up? An assessment of South Africa's 13 largest banks by non-profit group Bank Green paints a bleak picture. Not one received a 'great' rating when it came to climate responsibility. According to the group's findings, one third of the banks assessed failed to provide transparency regarding lending to the fossil fuels and renewable energy sectors, and only five out of the 13 reported any financed emissions. Transparency, continuous improvement, and supporting a just energy transition remained a commitment to Standard Bank, Sethlatswe said. Investor pressure mounting As a shareholder itself, Just Share says it will continue to hold Standard Bank accountable. It recommends that investors hold Standard Bank accountable to update its 2025 Climate Policy to: Include emission reduction targets aligned with the Paris 1.5℃ pathway. Provide a strategy of how these targets will be met. Set targets across the full oil and gas value chain. 'Banks can either exacerbate the climate emergency or play a constructive role in urgently reducing greenhouse gas emissions and financing the transition to a low-carbon, inclusive economy,' Boohlia said. DM
Arabian Post
04-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
East African Crude Oil Pipeline Hits Key Milestone
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline , stretching 1,443 kilometres from Uganda to the Tanzanian port of Tanga, has passed the 60 percent completion mark, marking a significant step forward in one of Africa's largest infrastructure projects. This progress highlights the accelerating momentum in the development of critical energy infrastructure in the East African region, with implications for the economies and geopolitics of multiple countries. The pipeline, designed to transport up to 216,000 barrels of crude oil per day from the oil fields in Uganda's Lake Albert region to the Indian Ocean coast in Tanzania, aims to bolster export capacity and drive regional economic growth. It is being developed by a consortium led by the French oil giant TotalEnergies and China National Offshore Oil Corporation , alongside the governments of Uganda and Tanzania. The project is expected to be operational by 2025, facilitating Uganda's first significant oil exports and enhancing Tanzania's position as a regional energy hub. Reports from the Tanzanian construction sites indicate steady progress on various segments of the pipeline. Significant advancements have been made on the laying of pipes through diverse terrains including wetlands, forests, and agricultural lands. The project faces ongoing challenges due to the difficult environmental conditions and the need to balance ecological preservation with development objectives. However, the construction teams have implemented numerous mitigation strategies to reduce environmental impact, including careful route planning and community engagement efforts. ADVERTISEMENT Beyond the engineering and logistical achievements, the EACOP project has attracted considerable attention from environmental groups and local communities. Concerns over potential oil spills and long-term environmental degradation have been raised, particularly given the pipeline's passage through sensitive ecosystems such as the Lake Victoria basin and the Kazinga Channel. Environmentalists have urged the companies and governments involved to uphold rigorous safety standards and transparency to safeguard biodiversity and water resources. On the economic front, the pipeline is expected to create thousands of jobs across Uganda and Tanzania during construction and operation phases. Both governments project increased revenues from oil exports, which could translate into enhanced public services and infrastructure development. The project is also seen as a driver for regional integration, potentially strengthening trade ties within the East African Community through improved energy connectivity. Internationally, the EACOP project positions East Africa as a growing player in the global oil market. The completion of this pipeline will diversify crude oil supply routes and reduce reliance on pipelines running through unstable regions, such as those traversing Sudan or South Sudan. This could have broader implications for energy security in the region and beyond, influencing investment flows and geopolitical alignments. Technical reports indicate that the pipeline's infrastructure includes advanced safety features, such as leak detection systems and automated shut-off valves, which are essential in mitigating risks associated with large-scale oil transportation. The project consortium has committed to adhering to international standards throughout the construction and operational phases, a commitment that will be closely monitored by independent auditors and regulatory authorities. The financing of the EACOP pipeline reflects a mix of public and private investment, with considerable involvement from international financial institutions and development banks. This diversified funding approach aims to ensure the project's sustainability and financial viability while aligning with global best practices on transparency and governance. Despite fluctuations in global oil prices and increasing pressure for greener energy alternatives, the pipeline continues to attract financial backing due to its strategic importance. ADVERTISEMENT Local communities along the pipeline route have experienced both benefits and challenges. Job opportunities and infrastructure improvements have contributed positively to many areas, but there have also been disputes over land acquisition and compensation. Authorities from Uganda and Tanzania have been engaged in ongoing dialogues with community representatives to address grievances and ensure fair treatment for affected populations. The pipeline is expected to play a transformative role in Uganda's oil sector, allowing the landlocked country to export crude directly to global markets. This is a vital step in unlocking the commercial potential of Uganda's oil reserves, which were discovered over the past two decades but remained largely untapped due to logistical hurdles. With the pipeline nearing completion, Uganda's oil production is poised to increase significantly, potentially altering the country's economic landscape. For Tanzania, the pipeline's terminus at the port of Tanga offers prospects for expanding the country's industrial base, including refining and petrochemical industries. The project complements Tanzania's ambitions to become a regional energy corridor, benefiting from both oil exports and transit fees. The government has indicated plans to develop ancillary infrastructure, such as storage facilities and transportation networks, further integrating energy supply chains. Critics caution that the project must carefully navigate the evolving global energy transition. With increasing commitments from many countries and corporations to reduce carbon emissions and shift toward renewable energy sources, the long-term viability of new oil infrastructure faces scrutiny. Balancing economic growth from oil revenues with environmental sustainability and climate goals remains a complex challenge for the EACOP consortium and East African governments. The pipeline's construction also intersects with broader regional security concerns. Ensuring the pipeline's protection from sabotage, theft, and other security threats is paramount, given its economic significance. Governments have invested in coordination efforts among security agencies to safeguard the infrastructure, which spans multiple jurisdictions and sensitive areas.
Reuters
23-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
UN expert asks TotalEnergies to act on human rights concerns
PARIS/LONDON, May 23 (Reuters) - TotalEnergies ( opens new tab must urgently address fresh allegations of abuses at its contentious oil pipeline project in East Africa, an independent U.N. human rights expert said ahead of the French energy firm's annual shareholder meeting on Friday. In a statement, opens new tab released late on Thursday, Special Rapporteur on environmental defenders Michel Forst said the company must take immediate action to protect activists linked to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline and connected oilfields. It followed news that German asset manager Union Investment had dropped the company's bonds and shares from its sustainable investment funds over the issue. Union Investment said it made the decision after reviewing a fresh report from non-profit Just Finance International citing alleged abuses at the Kingfisher oil site in Uganda, part of the pipeline project. Forst said TotalEnergies had "failed to take effective steps addressing these abuses," adding it was "deeply troubling" that "it has instead consistently rejected the allegations as mere 'misconceptions' of the projects' impact". As a French company, it was bound by the international Aarhus Convention to ensure individuals were not penalised or harassed for their opposition to the projects, Forst added. TotalEnergies said in a statement on Friday that it "does not tolerate any threats or violence against those who peacefully defend and promote human rights" and reminds those it works with of its position on the subject. The company added that it worked with Ugandan authorities "to stress to the Police the need to ensure that due process is followed, the protesters are treated well, and their rights are respected while in detention". The security team of its local unit also monitors the wellbeing of anyone arrested and ensures their representatives are able to visit them, it said. Forst backed a call by Union Investment for an independent investigation into the alleged abuses. As well as making the results public and acting on any shortcomings, he also asked the Total to use its leverage to prevent any further attacks.
