Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMBC Group) has reportedly said that it is “not currently involved” in the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), a large-scale fossil fuel project that is increasingly criticised for its impacts on local communities, nature and the climate.

SMBC Group affiliate Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation had not only provided a large amount of funds to Total, which is promoting EACOP, but was also reportedly serving as a financial advisor on EACOP.

However, there has been no response from the side of SMBC Group or SMBC distancing itself from EACOP. In a press report issued on Tuesday, they only stated that they are not currently involved in the EACOP, and it remains unclear what involvement they have had in the EACOP to date and whether SMBC may be involved in the EACOP in the future and whether they will continue acting as financial advisors to the project.