Voix du Paysan : Informing and educating citizens — a commitment to social and climate justice
The *Phase Out Fossil Fuels in DRC* movement, supported by the *StopEACOP* campaign, met with students at Lycée Sainte Madeleine in Kadutu commune, Bukavu. Discussions focused on the auctioning of 52 oil and 3 gas blocks that pose a direct threat to the unique ecosystem of the Congo Basin and Lake Kivu. Students acknowledged the potentially irreversible destruction these projects could cause to natural heritage. A shared conviction emerged: the DRC must invest in a just energy transition, especially given its vast reserves of lithium, cobalt, and hydropower.
Mobilizing Youth for a Just Energy Transition in the DRC
The exchange reinforced students’ commitment to opposing oil and gas projects that are seen as incompatible with environmental protection and climate justice. The campaign highlighted the importance of safeguarding the country’s natural resources, promoting clean energy, and actively contributing to the continental and global movement for a fossil fuel–free future. The youth expressed strong interest in joining this momentum and amplifying the voice of a DRC focused on sustainable energy.
Eco-Citizenship and Eco-Responsibility: Values to Live By
Beyond national and global challenges, the campaign emphasized everyday ecological actions. Students were sensitized to eco-citizenship and eco-responsibility—two essential concepts for positively transforming their local environment. Recycling, reducing waste, saving energy, protecting forests and lakes… these small but collective actions contribute to preserving the planet and strengthening resilience to climate change.
The Editorial Team
