Environmentalists picket African Energy Week, urging an end to new oil and gas exploration
Climate activists from Greenpeace Africa and Extinction Rebellion protested outside the African Energy Week conference in Cape Town. They demanded an end to new oil and gas exploration, arguing that fossil fuel expansion exacerbates climate change and prioritizes corporate profit over African communities.
Why it matters
The protest highlights the growing tension between African nations seeking energy security through fossil fuels and environmental groups advocating for a transition to renewable energy.
Greenpeace Africa activists protest at the African Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht) (AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht) Activists from Extinction Rebellion attend a protest event at the African Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht) (AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht) Police officers remove Greenpeace Africa activists protesting at the African Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht) (AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht) South Africa Energy Week 1 of 3 Greenpeace Africa activists protest at the African Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in