Title: The Plantations and Oil Mills of Congo (PHC) victims of an armed attack: a call for the peaceful resolution of conflicts
Introduction :
On July 1, 2023, employees of the Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC) were targeted during an armed attack perpetrated by an armed militia from the Bokala-Wamba group. This attack not only disrupted business operations, but also caused serious injury to one of the employees. In reaction to this incident, the competent authorities quickly launched an investigation which led to the arrest of those responsible for the attack. This article will look at the circumstances of the attack, the company’s efforts to promote good relations with local communities and the call for the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Details of the attack:
The attack on PHC employees took place on July 1, 2023 at the Lokutu site. An armed militia from the Bokala-Wamba groupement used firearms and knives to carry out this attack. In addition to the disruption to business operations, a PHC employee was seriously injured and required rush hospitalization. The company’s industrial guards immediately contacted the police for help, but even the police officers dispatched to the scene were attacked in turn. A policeman was injured in this second attack and his firearm was taken by the attackers. In addition, an industrial guard of the company was taken hostage.
The investigation and the arrests:
Faced with this alarming situation, the competent authorities quickly initiated an investigation to identify those responsible for the attack. These investigations led to the arrest of several individuals, including the head of the Bokala-Wamba group, Mr. Alphonse BOSUKI MBANGA. Thanks to the intervention of the authorities, the industrial guard taken hostage was successfully released on July 3, 2023. These arrests demonstrate the authorities’ desire to punish the perpetrators of this attack and restore security in the region.
Company efforts to promote good relations with local communities:
PHC has always attached great importance to neighborly relations with local communities. Prior to the attack, the company’s community engagement teams had engaged in dialogue with residents of the Bokala-Wamba groupement to halt illegal logging of company-owned palm trees. Despite efforts, the felling of palm trees persisted, leading to the intervention of local authorities and the necessary arrests. PHC strongly condemns the actions of the attackers, which not only caused significant material loss to the company, but also injured members of the local community employed by PHC as well as police officers..
The call for the peaceful resolution of conflicts:
Faced with this incident, PHC reaffirms its commitment to shared prosperity and good relations with local communities. The company highlights the need to favor dialogue, mediation and the search for peaceful solutions to resolve conflicts. It is crucial to find lasting solutions that benefit all stakeholders, while respecting the legal framework and everyone’s rights. PHC will continue to work to foster a safe and harmonious work environment, while contributing to the economic and social development of local communities.
Conclusion :
The armed attack suffered by PHCs at the Lokutu site highlighted the challenges faced by companies operating in sensitive areas. PHC, while strongly condemning this attack, continues to promote good relations with local communities and calls for the peaceful resolution of disputes. It is essential that relevant actors work together to prevent such incidents in the future and to foster a safe and conducive environment for development.