The recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Ivory Coast has not only brought together the best football teams from across the continent, but it has also sparked a continent-wide campaign on social media. This campaign is challenging the tournament’s main sponsor, TotalEnergies, over its involvement in the controversial East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
The EACOP is a massive 1,443-kilometer crude oil export pipeline that is designed to transport oil from Western Uganda’s oilfields to the Tanzanian port of Tanga. This project has been met with strong opposition from environmentalists, local communities, and activists who are concerned about the potential negative impact it could have on the environment and the livelihoods of those living in the affected areas.
TotalEnergies, a French multinational oil and gas company, is the main sponsor of the AFCON tournament. This has sparked outrage among many who see it as a contradiction for a company that claims to be committed to sustainable development to be involved in a project that could have devastating consequences for the environment.
The campaign on social media has gained momentum, with many using the hashtag #TotalOutofAFCON to voice their concerns and call for the company to withdraw its sponsorship of the tournament. The campaign has also caught the attention of football fans and activists from other parts of the world, who are showing their support and solidarity with the cause.
The concerns raised by the campaign are not unfounded. The EACOP project has been met with strong opposition from environmentalists and local communities who fear that it could lead to deforestation, water pollution, and displacement of communities. The pipeline is also expected to pass through sensitive ecosystems, including national parks and wildlife reserves, which could have a devastating impact on the biodiversity of the region.
Moreover, the project has been shrouded in secrecy, with little to no consultation with the local communities who will be directly affected by it. This lack of transparency and accountability has only fueled the concerns and opposition to the project.
In light of these concerns, it is understandable why many are calling for TotalEnergies to withdraw its sponsorship of the AFCON tournament. As a responsible corporate citizen, the company has a duty to consider the potential impact of its actions on the environment and the communities it operates in. By sponsoring the tournament, TotalEnergies is indirectly endorsing the EACOP project, which goes against its claims of being committed to sustainable development.
The campaign has also highlighted the need for more responsible and ethical sponsorship in the world of sports. It is not enough for companies to simply slap their logos on sporting events without considering the potential consequences of their actions. Sponsors have a responsibility to ensure that their involvement in such events aligns with their values and does not harm the environment or local communities.
The AFCON tournament is a celebration of African football and brings together people from different backgrounds and cultures. It is a platform to showcase the best of Africa and promote unity and solidarity. However, the involvement of TotalEnergies has tainted this celebration and has brought to light the need for more responsible and ethical sponsorship in the world of sports.
In response to the campaign, TotalEnergies has released a statement reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development and stating that it is in dialogue with all stakeholders involved in the EACOP project. While this is a step in the right direction, it is not enough. The company needs to take concrete action and withdraw its sponsorship of the AFCON tournament to show its commitment to the environment and the communities it operates in.
In conclusion, the campaign challenging TotalEnergies’ involvement in the EACOP project has brought to light the need for more responsible and ethical sponsorship in the world of sports. It has also shown the power of social media in raising awareness and mobilizing people to take action. As we celebrate the success of the AFCON tournament, let us also remember the importance of holding companies accountable for their actions and promoting sustainable development for the betterment of our planet and its people. #TotalOutofAFCON.
