Congo Approves Oil Deal That May Encroach on World Heritage Site
- Closely held South African company awarded three blocks
- One oil block overlaps with world’s second-largest rainforest
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Former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila approved an oil contract that encroaches on a world-famous national park during his final weeks in office.
Kabila signed a decree Dec. 13 validating a production-sharing agreement between closely held South African company DIG Oil Ltd. and the state oil firm for three permits in central Congo. A large section of one licence -- Block 8 -- covers territory inside Salonga National Park, a Unesco World Heritage site.