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Join the Global Day of Action to demand Minister Shifeta protect Kavango from ReconAfrica!
August 26, 2024
Description
Join Namibian activists in sounding the alarm on ReconAfrica’s illegal actions & demanding that Minister Shifeta act now to let the fight for justice move forward!
- On July 7th, 2024, the Canadian oil and gas giant ReconAfrica defiantly resumed its drilling in Namibia’s Kavango regions, even as a critical ruling on their environmental clearance certificate remains pending. This brazen move comes after fierce opposition from local leaders, human rights defenders, and environmentalists both in Namibia and globally. ReconAfrica’s reckless drilling threatens not only the delicate groundwater and lush vegetation of Kavango but also endangers the Okavango Delta—a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity.
- In 2022, the Ncumcara Community Forest, Kapinga Kamwalye Conservancy, and Ncaute Community Forest took a stand against this environmental threat. With the support of Saving The Okavango’s Unique Life (SOUL) and the Economic and Social Justice Trust (ESJT), these communities challenged the Environmental Commissioner’s controversial decision to grant ReconAfrica an environmental clearance certificate (ECC) without a proper environmental impact assessment (EIA). The Legal Assistance Centre (LAC) stepped up to provide crucial legal representation for the conservancies, while Avaaz launched a petition now being amplified by Fridays for Future Africa.
- Despite this brave resistance, nearly two years of bureaucratic delays have left the Kavango communities vulnerable, as Minister Pohamba Shifeta, appointed by President Hage Geingob, has failed to deliver a decisive ruling. ReconAfrica’s flagrant disregard for Namibian laws and their environmental management plan includes severe violations: ignoring proper community consultations, bypassing essential permits, and illegally constructing roads through protected lands and farmers’ fields. The damage is already unfolding, and every day without decisive action magnifies the harm. Water is life—its protection is not just a priority; it’s a moral imperative.
- Stand with us. Demand accountability. Demand action.
(For more info, please see the Information page.)
🌍 GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION ON AUGUST 26! 🌍
Join Fridays For Future Africa on Monday, August 26, 2024 in demanding that Minister Pohamba Shifeta prioritize the people, water and biodiversity of Kavango over ReconAfrica’s profits! ReconAfrica’s violations are putting our environment and communities at risk, and it’s time for us to take a stand.
✊ Together, we have the power to make a difference! ✊
🚨 CALLS TO ACTION 🚨
Spread the word! 🗣
Share the announcement for the Global Day of Action to your followers on social media!
Find sample posts here → X (Twitter) │ Instagram │ Facebook
Share the toolkit link with your activist networks! coda.io/@fffafrica/stand-with-kavango
Sign & share the petition! ✍️
Avaaz, in partnership with Saving Okavango’s Unique Life (SOUL) and conservancies in the Kavango Region, started this petition to Minister Shifeta to take action to protect Kavango communities and the environment from ReconAfrica’s drilling. Please sign and share!
SIGN HERE!
Take action on social media! ⚡
Check out these pages for social media actions → X (Twitter) │ Instagram │ FacebookHashtags: #ShifetaStandWithKavango #SaveTheOkavango
Digital protest! 📸
Take a selfie on social media holding a sign that says: Shifeta Stand With Kavango
Post your selfie on your social media with the hashtags: #ShifetaStandWithKavango and #SaveTheOkavango
Protest outside embassies!🪧
Organize a protest outside your nearest Canadian or Namibian embassy on August 26th.
See this page for more details & helpful tips! → Organize a protest!
Why this issue matters…
🌳 Environmental Protection: ReconAfrica’s activities threaten Kavango’s biodiversity & water resources
✊🏾 Community Rights: Kavango people deserve their voices being heard and rights protected
🌍 Climate Justice: Stand with Kavango to combat climate change for future generations
⚖️ Justice & Corporate Accountability: We must hold extractive corporations accountable for human rights & environmental violations, especially by Global North corporations in the Global South
“ReconAfrica, a Canadian oil and gas company tried to silence me with a bribe and a job offer.
But my people are tired of corruption, and we will not be silent as this oil giant threatens us, our rights and pushes wildlife closer to extinction. In June 2022, we joined the Economic and Social Justice Trust, an advocacy group fighting corruption and advocating for rights in Namibia, in a massive appeal against Minister Pohamba Shifeta’s approval of ReconAfrica’s exploitative activities, despite blatant violations of rights and laws. But after two years, we still have NO ruling.
But my people are tired of corruption, and we will not be silent as this oil giant threatens us, our rights and pushes wildlife closer to extinction. In June 2022, we joined the Economic and Social Justice Trust, an advocacy group fighting corruption and advocating for rights in Namibia, in a massive appeal against Minister Pohamba Shifeta’s approval of ReconAfrica’s exploitative activities, despite blatant violations of rights and laws. But after two years, we still have NO ruling.