INTERVIEW: Rob Parker Exposes Allegations Against ReconAfrica: Legal, Ethical, and Environmental Concerns

Rob Parker, a representative from the Economic and Social Justice Trust of Namibia, has shared alarming insights into the controversial operations of ReconAfrica, a company accused of serious legal, ethical, and environmental violations. Parker has been working on a report that sheds light on the company’s actions, including its new environmental clearance certificate, which he claims was obtained through fraudulent means. According to Parker, ReconAfrica’s consultant misrepresented consultations with communities in the Kavango regions, and the company has ignored court actions that have been pending since 2022.

Parker highlighted that the Legal Assistance Center has provided evidence that ReconAfrica informed communities they could not engage with them due to ongoing legal battles. As part of ongoing advocacy, Parker and the Economic and Social Justice Trust are preparing to launch a campaign with Avaaz to push for the cases to be heard, citing a petition with over 500,000 signatures urging the Minister of Environment, Pohamba Shifeta, to make a ruling on these pressing matters. Parker is committed to bringing these issues to the forefront with his upcoming 20-page report, which will provide more detailed insights into the allegations.

In addition to these serious accusations, Parker has access to internal Canadian government communications, revealing that officials have expressed concerns over ReconAfrica’s impact on Canada’s $1.4 billion investment in Namibia and Botswana. Furthermore, Parker pointed to potential ties between ReconAfrica and Dundee, another company with significant controversies, including its mining activities in Ecuador, Canada, and Serbia.

Parker’s report is set to draw attention to not only the legal challenges surrounding ReconAfrica but also the broader environmental and ethical concerns linked to the company’s operations. As more details unfold, the public and international stakeholders continue to call for accountability and transparency in how ReconAfrica conducts its business in Namibia.

This article will be updated as new developments emerge from Parker’s investigation and report.