Development versus Conservation

The Risky Bet of the New Oil Blocks in the DRC

As of May 12, 2025, Kinshasa reached a new milestone in its oil development by opening 52 exploration blocks in the Central Basin— an area celebrated for its unspoiled wetlands and rich variety of life. This decision, taken during a cabinet meeting in early May, is aimed at reviving the appeal of the hydrocarbon sector and stimulating the national economy. The Ministry of Hydrocarbons assures that protected areas have been carefully excluded from the designated zones and that they are relying on artificial intelligence-assisted seismic studies to minimize environmental impacts.

However, this expansion of the oil frontier comes on the heels of last year’s suspension of auctions for 27 blocks—a move that was widely hailed as a strong signal in favour of the fight against climate change. Today, the release of these new permits has sparked outrage among civil society and local communities. The peatlands in question constitute one of the last great terrestrial carbon sinks and are home to emblematic species such as lowland gorillas, forest elephants, and bonobos. Even if exploitation is limited to the prospecting phase, there are growing concerns that it could accelerate deforestation, fragment habitats, and cause pollution of both soils and watercourses.

Simultaneously, a coalition of more than 150 Congolese and international NGOs has mobilized to denounce the process’s lack of transparency. They point to the absence of public mapping, a missing environmental impact report, and only superficial consultations with indigenous populations. The organizations emphasize that the planned blocks will often encompass poorly defined community territories, thereby threatening the land rights and livelihoods of thousands of rural families.

In response to the mounting criticism, the government has pledged to soon publish detailed technical maps outlining the boundaries of each block, along with a comprehensive environmental and social risk assessment report. In addition, meetings with local authorities and community representatives are being scheduled to clarify the exploration timeline and its modalities.

Africa Security Analysis believes that this new episode highlights the deep tensions between the imperatives of economic sovereignty and the need for ecological preservation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The challenge is twofold: how to reconcile the pursuit of oil revenues—which are essential for development and financing public services—with the protection of a unique ecosystem that is indispensable for global climate balance and the survival of the populations that depend on it.