Oil experts discuss 'curse of oil' in Africa development

Social justice news
October 2005

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October is Fair Trade Month
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Oil experts discuss 'curse of oil' in Africa development

Oil experts discuss 'curse of oil' in Africa development
Two experts on the oil industry in Africa are visting Jesuit universities across the country this month to discuss the impact oil investments have on the poor in Africa through the lens of Catholic social teaching. Catholic Relief Services and the Jesuit Conference are hosting this nationwide speaking tour.

Tour schedule:

12 Oct:
7 p.m. at Seattle University, Schaffer Auditorium

13 Oct:
6:30 p.m. at University of San Francisco, Lone Mountain Handlery Room

14 Oct:
12-1:30 p.m. at Santa Clara University, Binson Parlors

19 Oct:
4:30-5:45 p.m. at Villanova University, Center for Engineering Education and Research Room 001

20 Oct:
11:30-1 p.m. at St. Joseph University, Wofington Center

7:30 p.m. at Boston College, Fulton 511

Austin Onuoha, a staff member of the Center for Social and Corporate Responsibility in Nigeria, and Jesuit Fr. Antoine Berilengar, a religious representative on the Petroleum Revenue Oversight and Control Committee in Chad, will highlight the impact that oil investments can have on governance, the environment and human rights in Africa.

The pace of oil exploration and extraction is picking up in Africa. By the end of the decade, more than $50 billion will be spent on African oil fields and oil production on the continent is expected to double. Because the U.S. could soon import as much as 25 percent of its petroleum from the region, how this growth occurs should matter to U.S. consumers.

In a 2001 statement, "Call to Solidarity with Africa," U.S. bishops said governments, corporations and financial institutions involved with the production of natural resources have "a moral responsibility" to ensure that extraction doesn't contribute directly or indirectly to corruption, conflict and repression. Most Africans gain little from the continent's vast mineral wealth, and basic information about contracts with foreign oil companies and revenues paid to the government is often hidden from public scrutiny.

The speaking tour—scheduled from Oct. 5 and Oct. 20—is designed to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a transparent trail of oil revenues, and encouraging grassroots support for policy changes on the government and industry levels.

About the speakers
Austin Onuoha is a staff member of the Center for Social and Corporate Responsibility in the oil-producing region of Nigeria. Onuoha, who is currently working on a doctorate in conflict analysis and resolution at Nova Southeastern University in Florida, has worked with Chevron-Texaco on human rights issues, and conducts trainings on human rights and conflict resolution throughout Nigeria.

Jesuit Fr. Antoine Berilengar is a religious representative on the Petroleum Revenue Oversight and Control Committee in Chad, and the Social Apostolate coordinator for the Jesuits in Africa. Fr. Antoine has been involved in Exxon's Chad-Cameroon oil project, and wrote a Masters thesis on Catholic Social Teaching and the project, while studying in the U.S.

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. The agency provides assistance to people in 99 countries and territories based on need, regardless of race, nationality or creed.

The Jesuit Conference represents the more than 3,000 American priests and brothers in the Society of Jesus, the largest religious order of the Roman Catholic Church. Founded in 1540 by Saint Ignatius Loyola, the Society now numbers 21,000 members on six continents in 127 nations throughout the world. As religious, Jesuits commit themselves to observe vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in pursuing a faith that promotes justice.

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