Congo Audit Links Pollution to French-British Oil Company’s Activities, Ministry Says

DAKAR, July 29 - A government review of French-British oil firm Perenco’s operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo concluded the company was responsible for environmental contamination with possible harmful impacts on local residents.*

• The hydrocarbons ministry said it identified pollution tied to oil work conducted by Perenco’s onshore and offshore units in the Muanda area, along the country’s narrow Atlantic coastline.
• The ministry shared the findings in reply to an emailed request for comment on a Human Rights Watch report released Monday that said Perenco’s activities exposed nearby communities to health hazards.
• The review found adverse effects on soil and air quality, especially from gas flaring close to populated areas, the ministry said, without providing details on the pollutants or their potential impacts.
• The ministry said groundwater samples are being tested to determine the extent of any contamination and evaluate risks to local communities.
• The company said it was still waiting for the government review’s results and that any firm conclusions before its release were premature.
• The audit was started in 2024 and is being carried out by an international consultancy backed by a government task force. No date has been announced for its completion.
• The ministry said it would work to establish responsibility for any pollution and, where warranted, pursue environmental remediation and penalties under Congolese law.