Fresh criticism of Perenco’s operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has once again brought one of Africa’s biggest energy development challenges the fore: NGO-led smear campaigns.
While framed as a challenge to one company’s environmental performance, the campaign reflects a broader pattern of NGO-led attacks on African oil development. As the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) strongly condemns the attack, recognizing it as a direct attempt to stop Perenco’s activities, limit DRC oil exploration and prevent any meaningful development across the country’s economy.
The scrutiny follows allegations published by Human Rights Watch regarding environmental impacts linked to Perenco’s operations in Muanda, as well as a government-commissioned environmental review that identified areas requiring further attention. Perenco has disputed aspects of the findings, maintaining that it operates in accordance with applicable regulations and has implemented environmental management measures across its operations.
For the AEC, this latest report demonstrates a tactic whereby NGOs rely on sensationalized rhetoric rather than facts and technical evaluations to promote a false narrative about energy companies’ operations. This approach has been seen across other smear campaigns, and the AEC strongly urges the Government of the DRC to be careful not to fall into this trap.
Perenco has operated in the DRC for more than two decades, establishing itself as the country’s only producing oil operator through its onshore subsidiary Perenco Rep and offshore subsidiary Muanda International Oil Company. The company’s operations support average combined production of approximately 19,500 barrels of oil per day and employ around 1,500 DRC nationals, contributing to local economic activity and the country’s energy sector.
Beyond production, Perenco has invested in infrastructure and community development initiatives in Muanda. Through its 20 MW gas-fired power plant, the company supplies electricity to local installations, including those of the Société Nationale d’Électricité, while also providing power to the city of Muanda and surrounding villages.
The company has also supported community programs focused on education, healthcare, infrastructure, water access, electricity, employment, culture, sport and environmental initiatives. Across its global operations, Perenco has highlighted efforts to improve environmental management, reduce emissions and strengthen operational efficiency.
“Africa cannot afford to drive away the companies that are investing in our future,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “Perenco has spent more than two decades operating in the DRC, creating jobs, supporting communities, investing in infrastructure and helping deliver energy where it is needed most. Companies operating in Africa must be held accountable, but accountability cannot become a pretext for undermining responsible investors who are helping African countries develop their resources and fight energy poverty.”
The AEC believes responsible resource development requires both strong environmental oversight and recognition of the companies working to create economic opportunity across the continent. Africa cannot achieve industrialization, strengthen energy security or expand access to reliable power without investment from experienced operators with the technical expertise and capital required to develop its resources.
The DRC, like many African countries, faces the challenge of balancing environmental protection with the need to leverage its natural resources for economic transformation. Achieving this balance requires strong regulatory institutions, transparent processes and partnerships between governments, companies and communities.
As global competition for energy investment intensifies, Africa must ensure that legitimate environmental discussions do not become a broader deterrent to responsible development. The continent’s future depends on attracting companies committed to long-term partnerships, responsible operations and delivering shared value.
The AEC will continue advocating for an energy sector that supports both environmental responsibility and economic progress, recognizing that Africa’s development goals require investment, expertise and partnerships.
