DR Congo Halts Licensing Process for 27 Oil Blocks

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has halted the licensing process for 27 oil blocks, launched in 2022. This was announced through a statement posted on the hydrocarbons ministry’s X account on Monday.

The statement, dated October 11, cited multiple reasons for the cancellation, including late submissions, inappropriate or irregular offers, and a lack of competition.

Hydrocarbons Minister Aime Sakombi Molendo stated that, in light of these factors, he had to declare the cancellation of the ongoing process. He said the process would be relaunched soon, but did not specify a timeline.

The original licensing round faced criticism from some western partners and environmental groups about potential carbon emissions. In October 2022, the DRC government turned down a request from U.S. climate envoy John Kerry to withdraw some oil blocks from auction to protect forests. Environment Minister Eve Bazaiba told Reuters that this decision could hinder the country’s development.

“Nobody can put pressure on us… no convention in the world, not even the Paris Agreement, forbids a country from emitting CO2 for development reasons. This is not a working group in which a colonialist controls a colony,” she said.

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