A core challenge across Africa is the right of development host communities to decide on development projects within their vicinities. Considering that they inordinately bear the consequences of these projects, their right to say ‘No’ or have a say in the processes of a development project, is a right that must be protected. This right resonates in several laws and instruments across continent, but very little has been done in its fulfilment.
The concept of “Free, Prior and Informed Consent” (FPIC) exactly addresses that right. It allows indigenous communities to participate and give, or, withhold their consent to any project that may affect their livelihood and their territories. It affirms that: no matter how important a development project might be, the community’s right for a meaningful participation in the decision-making process remains paramount.
For the past 5 years, the African Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA) has researched and engaged stakeholders on the concept of FPIC in the African context. This comic book illustrates the strong critical messages conveyed by ACCA’s report on FPIC.