The StopEACOP campaign was announced as one of the winners of the inaugural People Power Award at the conclusion of the two-day Copenhagen People Power Conference hosted by ActionAid Denmark.
The conference brought together over 200 activists, advocates, and experts to discuss strategies for advancing climate justice, human rights, and peace through grassroots social movements. Sessions focused on supporting frontline communities, movement lifecycles, digital threats, inclusive climate action and more.
“This recognition signifies a resounding victory for the dedicated individuals who have tirelessly opposed the EACOP and its profound adverse effects on people, nature, and our climate. Winning this award underscores the strength of collective action, the amplification of our voices when united, and our firm belief that change is possible when we reject the status quo. Let this accolade serve as a beacon of hope and a rallying cry for us all. Together, we possess the capacity to forge a more sustainable, equitable, and just future for our planet and all its inhabitants,” said Samuel Okulony, Director, Environment Governance Institute – Uganda
The StopEACOP campaign, which aims to stop the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) in Uganda and Tanzania, was recognized for its locally-led organizing in the face of intimidation and violence from the host governments.
The recognition was also the result of globally coordinated days of action against project proponents that have seen banks and insurance firms pull out. By spotlighting community voices, the campaign has built an inclusive climate movement opposing the pipeline as incompatible with climate goals and human rights.
Speakers from the StopEACOP campaign thanked ActionAid Denmark and conference organizers for the platform to connect with diverse movements.
“We welcome this award and the recognition it brings to a just and worthy struggle against extraction, dispossession, exploitation and harm. It serves as a timely reminder for us to celebrate our victories and each other as we continue to build a movement that is capable of achieving our shared aspirations for a sustainable, free and prosperous future,” said Zaki Mamdoo, StopEACOP Campaign Coordinator.
Charity Migwi, Regional Campaigner, 350Africa.org said: “The strides made by the StopEACOP campaign thus far are a testament to the strength that lies in communities uniting against injustice. Sustained local resistance to the EACOP project and global solidarity with the campaign have seen 27 commercial banks and 23 (re)insurers so far rule out support for the harmful project.
“As we celebrate this award, we reiterate calls for a stop to the flow of finance to this project, which affects the wellbeing of communities and poses a danger to biodiversity and the climate. We urge financial institutions that are yet to distance themselves from EACOP, to do so and for financing to be channeled to safe and sustainable renewable energy solutions.”
#StopEACOP is a global campaign against constructing the East African Crude Oil pipeline (EACOP). This proposed 1,443-kilometer heated pipeline will transport oil from Hoima, Uganda, to the port of Tanga in Tanzania. An alliance of local groups, communities, and African and global organisations leads the campaign.
The #StopEACOP Coalition has been calling for a stop to the proposed pipeline and associated oil fields at Tilenga and Kingfisher. The #StopEACOP campaign is gathering momentum, building pressure on the remaining supporters and financiers of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline.
AEGIS London, Arch Capital Group Ltd and Britam Holdings recently announced they would not offer the project insurance coverage. So far, 27 major banks and 23 major (re)insurers have ruled out support for the pipeline. Some key financial institutions yet to commit to not funding EACOP include ICBC and Standard Bank.
