African civil society organizations are raising eyebrows over TotalEnergies’ sponsorship of AFCON, Africa’s premier football tournament. They claim it’s a clever way to “greenwash” the pollution linked to the company’s oil and gas activities across the continent.
Led by Greenpeace Africa, these groups argue that TotalEnergies’ backing of the event doesn’t match its environmental track record, especially given its involvement in the controversial East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). This pipeline, touted as the longest heated crude oil pipeline in the world, raises serious concerns about climate damage and community displacement, clashing with the tournament’s celebration of African culture and pride.
Satirical Response
In response, Greenpeace Africa, along with the KPO Network, has launched satirical videos critiquing TotalEnergies. These videos highlight the company’s questionable environmental and human rights practices. Activists are concerned that such sponsorship undermines the values of football and the larger issues facing the continent, as they continue to expand fossil fuel projects.
“TotalEnergies isn’t sponsoring AFCON to uplift football; they want to hide their pollution under the joy of the game,” said a representative from the KPO Network. They argue that football should not be a tool for companies that worsen climate change.
Broader Concerns
The ongoing climate crisis has led to devastating weather events across Africa, including floods and droughts. Sherelee Odayar from Greenpeace Africa emphasizes that allowing polluters to associate with symbols of African unity is unacceptable. “AFCON should symbolize hope, not serve as a platform for corporate greenwashing,” she stated.
As the tournament approaches, activists are also turning their attention to financial backers of TotalEnergies’ Mozambique LNG project. Following recent exits by agencies like UKEF, citing human rights concerns, civil society groups have sent formal warnings to banks involved, highlighting potential legal and ethical risks. Daniel Ribeiro of Justiça Ambiental noted: “Justice for victims must happen, and accountability is crucial.”
Reports of human rights abuses related to the Mozambique project are piling up, reinforcing the call for banks to reconsider their involvement. This isn’t just a financial issue; it’s about taking responsibility for the impact on local communities and the climate.
TotalEnergies and Government Dynamics
Meanwhile, TotalEnergies is under pressure from the Mozambique government to resume operations at the LNG project, despite ongoing safety concerns and a violent insurgency in the region. Critics warn that the company’s proposed budget revisions could further delay benefits for local communities.
Rieke Butijn from BankTrack added that when export credit agencies withdraw their support due to risk, banks should do the same. “No financial institution should support a company linked to human rights violations,” she stated.
This issue extends beyond football; it’s a reflection of the complex intersection between corporate responsibility, environmental integrity, and human rights in Africa. The debate surrounding TotalEnergies and AFCON exemplifies the need for a thoughtful approach to sponsorships—one that aligns with the values of the communities they aim to support.
For more insights on environmental activism in Africa, you can read reports from Greenpeace Africa and Friends of the Earth France.
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greenwashing,Human Rights,Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG),Mozambique,carbon pollution,totalenergies,climate activism,Africa Cup of Nations,Africa Cup of Nations sponsorship
