Climate Politics
Congo Opposition Leader Says He’d Scrap Oil Drilling in No. 2 Rainforest
- Congo should instead focus on developing its metal resources
- Katumbi is running for president in a vote expected this year
BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DRC - AUGUST 6: The plant life in the gorilla sector of Virunga National Park, on August 6, 2013 in Bulima, DR Congo.
Photographer: Brent Stirton/Getty Images EuropeThis article is for subscribers only.
Congolese opposition leader Moise Katumbi said he would cancel a controversial plan to allow drilling for oil and gas in one of the world’s most important carbon sinks if he wins an election later this year.
Plans to drill in 30 blocks, several of which overlap with the world’s largest tropical peatlands, has drawn criticism from climate activists and a plea from US climate envoy John Kerry to halt part of the program. His request was rebuffed by President Felix Tshisekedi last year.