An individual, who presents himself as a journalist but is merely a television host, has built a reputation for blackmail. This practice, executed via his television platform and social media, is used to extort funds from political figures and business leaders. Following a recent smear campaign against Minister of State Guy Loando Mboyo and Minister José Mpanda Kabangu, involving a reportedly fabricated investigation for which he allegedly received 100,000 USD, he is now targeting VPM Jean-Pierre Lihau and attempting to blackmail Minister Jean-Lucien Busa concerning the PHC matter, a case that is as clear as crystal.
In his video broadcasts, this self-proclaimed journalist, actually a TV presenter, launches attacks against Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC), its management, shareholders, and several prominent Congolese public figures. His accusations revolve around the voluntary divestment of the Congolese State’s shares in PHC, a process overseen by Jean-Lucien Busa during his tenure as Minister of Portfolio.
Initially, misled by PHC’s detractors, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa had instructed the Minister of State, Minister of Justice, to bring this case before the courts. Acting as the representative of the Congolese State, the Minister proceeded to file the case with the commercial court, where it was registered under RRC 222. After due process, the court issued an order affirming the validity and legality of the Congolese State’s voluntary withdrawal from its shareholding in PHC.
However, those who oppose PHC, driven by envy and a desire to gain control over the company, have reportedly failed to accept this judicial decision. They have allegedly enlisted the services of the blackmailing TV host to orchestrate a campaign of sabotage against the company and its leadership. This arrangement, it is understood, was secured for a sum of 50,000 USD.
In a statement released on Monday, July 6, PHC vehemently condemned the dissemination of false information targeting the company. The statement reiterated that PHC conducts its operations in strict adherence to the laws of the Democratic Republic of Congo, under the vigilant oversight of competent authorities, and in full compliance with applicable governance regulations.
PHC emphasized that any attempts to challenge the commercial court’s decision – a decision arrived at after the Congolese State itself initiated legal action – through unsubstantiated allegations, disinformation campaigns, or slanderous remarks, will not undermine the integrity of this judicial ruling.
While reaffirming its commitment to freedom of expression and press freedom, PHC nevertheless stressed that these liberties do not justify the propagation of serious, defamatory, and false accusations that harm the honor, reputation, and legitimate interests of the company, its executives, shareholders, or any other involved party.
Plantations et Huileries du Congo declared in the document that it reserves the right to initiate all appropriate legal proceedings against the perpetrators, co-perpetrators, or any individual knowingly relaying defamatory statements or demonstrably false information, ensuring that all parties are held accountable for their actions before the competent courts.
