Activists Confront Standard Bank and Total Energies Over Fossil Fuel Financing in Africa

Johannesburg Environmental activists have taken to the streets to confront Standard Bank and Total Energies, accusing the two giants of fueling ecological destruction and exploiting vulnerable communities across Africa.

The demonstration, led by the Stop East African Crude Oil Pipeline (StopEACOP) coalition, formed part of a continentwide Week of Action (18–24 August 2025). Protesters handed over a fiery memorandum, condemning both companies for what they describe as reckless fossil fuel expansion that undermines Africa’s climate future.

“Total must back off”

In their statement, StopEACOP accused Standard Bank of acting as a “chief accomplice” to Total Energies’ controversial projects, particularly the planned East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).

“We, organisations, communities and ordinary people from across South Africa and the African continent, are united in our unequivocal condemnation of Total Energies and its destructive fossil fuel operations,” the coalition declared.

Zaki Mamdoo, StopEACOP’s coordinator, said the protest was aimed at forcing Standard Bank to sever ties with the oil giant:

“Communities across the continent are rising against ecological destruction. This week of action is about demanding accountability and an end to fossil fuel financing.”

Legal pushback strengthens the movement

The protest came just days after a landmark ruling in the Western Cape High Court, which set aside an exploration right previously granted to Total Energies and its partners to drill for offshore oil and gas along South Africa’s southwest coast.

The court found that the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) and Total had failed to properly consult affected communities and ignored the serious environmental and climate risks.

Activists hailed the judgment as a “people’s victory” for small-scale fishers, coastal communities, and environmental defenders who have long opposed fossil fuel projects in sensitive areas.

A growing wave of climate resistance

South Africa has seen a surge in environmental activism in recent years, with youth movements, fishing communities, and climate justice organisations uniting to challenge oil and gas exploration.

On social media, hashtags like #StopEACOP and #FossilFreeAfrica gained traction during the Week of Action, with images of placards reading “Our future is not for sale” and “People over profit” circulating widely.

Environmental experts argue that Africa is bearing the brunt of climate change from devastating floods to crippling droughts while multinationals continue to push for fossil fuel expansion.

The StopEACOP coalition says it will keep up pressure on both Standard Bank and Total Energies, vowing more coordinated actions across the continent.

“This fight is far from over,” the group said. “Until banks and oil companies stop financing destruction, communities will continue to resist.”

As global attention shifts to climate negotiations later this year, South Africa’s grassroots pushback against fossil fuels is expected to grow louder with activists insisting that the future of Africa cannot be dictated by profit-driven corporations.

{Source: IOL}

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