Voix du Paysan to educate and inform citizens: a commitment to social and climate justice.
On the eve of the online people’s tribunal against the EACOP project, communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo took part in a unique protest by riding their bicycles to express strong opposition to oil giant TotalEnergies. This symbolic action, organized under the #KickTotalOutOfAfrica campaign, became a powerful display of ecological and civic resistance.
Protesters rode through the streets holding signs with a clear message: Our resources, our control! — a declaration of sovereignty in the face of extractivist greed by multinationals like Total, accused of violating local communities’ rights and contributing to the destruction of Africa’s environment. This movement, far more than a mere bike ride, reflects the rise of an awakened and determined public conscience.
The event preceded a symbolic tribunal of public opinion, during which affected communities shared testimonies on the devastating impacts of the EACOP project. The #StopEACOP campaign highlights forced displacements, pollution, loss of livelihoods, and human rights abuses. For participants, this is not just a protest — it is a demand for sustainable alternatives to oil exploitation.
This cycling protest marks another crucial step in the fight against ecological impunity. In the DRC and across the continent, citizens are rising to defend their land, their future, and the planet. The message is clear: It’s time for Total to be held accountable and to get out of Africa.
— The Editorial Team
