Following prolonged investigations by
Glencore’s penalties to the
According to the investigating countries, Glencore’s corrupt actions included more than
"The scope of this criminal bribery scheme is staggering," said
Staggering is a good word to describe the extent of Glencore’s corrupt behavior. We would add infuriating. What Glencore did is illegal, immoral, and completely unacceptable. It does not reflect the normal business dealings of the oil and gas industry. And, for the record, the African Energy Chamber has never solicited or accepted a single monetary contribution from Glencore.
What’s more, we strongly believe that Glencore’s dealings in African countries should be closely examined on a local level, and African officials who accepted bribes should be held accountable. Investigations should be opened, and Glencore should be forced to come clean about the full extent of its corrupt business dealings, after all Glenore is a member of the Norwegian-based Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). Though based on its years of corrupt actions, Glencore should be suspended as an EITI supporting company.
And, finally, everyday Africans – the ones hurt most by corruption’s toxic effects – must receive justice.
Troubling Double Standards
We find it ironic that EITI, which has campaigned against African countries joining the initiative, still has Glencore as a member – especially if you consider the fact that Glencore’s involvement with EITI began while the company was engaging in the very behavior EITI strives to eradicate.
"Glencore has been a supporter of the EITI principles of transparency and accountability since 2011," EITI’s website states. "Long a supporting mining company, Glencore has also been an active member of the
It's stunning. How can Glencore believe in these ideals and advise on transparency when it is one of the most corrupt companies in the oil and gas industry?
The EITI board chair, Rt Hon
Imagine if this was an African country; imagine the international community’s response. It wouldn’t stop with penalties and expressions of concern. Not only would the company be fined, but the management teams would be fined and in jail. We’d comment on the likelihood of EITI suspending the African company’s status as a supporting member, but since EITI has resisted African involvement, it’s moot.
This double standard is unjust. It sends the wrong message to Africans.
Create
Corruption has been the scourge of African countries for far too long. It curtails individual freedoms and fosters poverty and instability. Corruption harms individuals and communities. It kills hope.
That’s why we are calling upon the
Glencore’s penalties should go to organizations like Power Africa, a public-private partnership formed by the
A portion of the penalty payment also could be directed to
Another recommendation: African countries need trillions of dollars to finance their transition to renewable energies in support of international climate goals. Earlier this month, the
Directing a portion of Glencore’s penalty payments to the
The Last Thing Our Energy Sector Needed
Glencore’s actions come as a blow to Africa’s oil and gas energy. At a time when the African Energy Chamber is trying to show the world the good that oil and gas operations can achieve in our continent, we hope those who follow the news about Glencore understand that they are far from the norm in our industry.
Frankly, we are dismayed that businesspeople who come from free and democratic societies think the best way to operate in
The African Energy Chamber advocates for free-market solutions in
We cannot tolerate a company that puts profits ahead of integrity or serves itself with no regard to the detrimental effects of its actions.
Glencore represents the very worst of the oil and gas industry and it will be excluded from African Energy Week
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