Perenco is a multinational corporation specialized in the operation of end-of-life oil wells. Although little known to the general public, numerous reports denounce serious environmental and human rights violations in the various countries where the group operates.  

The opacity of the group makes it  extremely difficult to access information about its organization and operation, in particular with respect to the links between the French company Perenco S.A. and other Perenco companies operating abroad. However, according to Sherpa and Friends of the Earth France’s investigations, the French company Perenco S.A. seems to play a central role within the corporate group and to be involved in oil activities carried out in the DRC.  

As the sole  oil operator present in DRC, the Perenco group operates through several subsidiaries in the coastal region of Muanda that harbors a rich biodiversity...  

Illegal gas flaring, old pipelines crossing rivers, poor maintenance of oil installations resulting in frequent spills of crude oil into the environment, incineration and landfill of oil waste without prior treatment:  numerous reports denounce practices that are particularly dangerous for the environment and the health of local communities.   

Several scientific studies, as well as investigations from Congolese and international CSOs and even a report from the Congolese Senate inquiry committee reveal chronic water, air and soil pollution...

Today, Friends of the Earth France and Sherpa are filing a lawsuit against Perenco S.A. before the Paris Civil Court. They are asking that Perenco S.A. be ordered to remedy the environmental damages caused in the DRC, under its civil liability... Our organizations also ask the Court to order the company to take measures to end the environmental harms and to prevent any future damages to the environment.