Stop the forced evictions in Kolwezi

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) plays a crucial role in providing the world with copper and cobalt, essential resources. However, this essential contribution is not without consequences for the Congolese people, who endure forced evictions, illegal destruction of homes and physical violence. We must act to put an end to these human rights violations in the DRC's copper and cobalt mines. So let's send a message to the Democratic Republic of Congo calling for an immediate halt to mass expulsions and other human rights abuses.

The Energy Transition Challenge

Against a backdrop of climate crisis, the world is turning to alternative energy sources to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. The energy transition is vital, but it must not be at the expense of human rights or nature.

The DRC is a key player in this transition, supplying most of the copper and cobalt needed for the lithium-ion batteries that power our electronic devices, electric vehicles and many others. However, this quest for resources has come at a high price for local communities.

Kolwezi: A symbol of abuse?

The town of Kolwezi, at the heart of vast copper and cobalt deposits, has become a symbol of the abuses suffered by the local population. The expansion of the mines has resulted in the loss of homes, communities, schools and hospitals for thousands of people.

These human rights violations are taking place in a context where the DRC still bears the scars of colonial violence that cost millions of lives and saw countless resources plundered, without the population really benefiting. At a time when the world is rushing to exploit the minerals needed for the energy transition, certain companies and governments seem, once again, to be favouring profits over human rights.

The DRC: A Solution Country?

President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi has described the DRC as a "solution country" in the face of the climate crisis. He now has the opportunity to lead the way in climate justice and demonstrate that, in the DRC, the protection of fundamental rights is an essential component of a fair energy transition.

Acting together

Let's send a message to the DRC government calling for an end to forced evictions in Kolwezi and for people's rights to take precedence over financial interests. Let's commit to a fair energy transition, where no one is left behind.