Climate Activists in DR Congo Appeal for Pope’s Support in Ending Fossil Fuel Projects

The threats come at a time "when all the signs point to the urgent need to shift away from fossil fuels to renewable energy, to contain global heating and avert catastrophic climate impacts,” says the climate activist.

The Congolese government gave a go ahead for oil exploration in Virunga in July last year.

On her part, Ashley Kitisya, a campaigner at the  Laudato Si’ Movement in DRC says oil exploration in the Central African nation will lead to climate catastrophes that will mostly affect the poor.

“We, therefore, come together to call for the end of unjust actions to profit a handful of people. Instead, we call for a transition away from fossil fuels and the use of clean, renewable energy that primarily addresses the needs of local communities and economies,” says Ms. Kitisya.

She goes on to underline the need to “develop policies” that will lead to a reduction in pollution emanating from gasses in the future.

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“There is an urgent need to develop policies so that, in the next few years, the emission of carbon dioxide and other highly polluting gasses can be drastically reduced, for example, substituting for fossil fuels and developing sources of renewable energy,” Ms. Kitisya says.

The Holy Father arrived in Kinshasa on Tuesday, January 31, the first stop of his Apostolic journey to DRC and South Sudan. He will be in the country for three days before proceeding to South Sudan on Friday, January 3.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.