Title: Armed attack in Lokutu: PHC strongly condemns the violence and continues its commitment to shared prosperity
Introduction :
On July 1, 2023, an armed attack perpetrated by the militia of the Bokala-Wamba group disrupted the tranquility of the locality of Lokutu. Employees of Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC) were targeted, resulting in material loss and injury. Faced with this dramatic event, PHC, a company committed to shared prosperity with local communities, strongly condemns these acts of violence.
Attacks perpetrated in retaliation:
This armed attack would be the consequence of a series of previous events. Indeed, the PHC had been engaged for several months in a dialogue with the residents of the Bokala-Wamba group to put an end to the illegal felling of palm trees belonging to the company. Despite efforts by PHC community engagement teams, the killings continued, leading to the intervention of local authorities and the arrest of some officials.
The attack on PHC employees in Lokutu was thus allegedly perpetrated in retaliation for these arrests. The attackers, armed with firearms and bladed weapons, expressed their dissatisfaction with these measures taken by the company to protect its assets and put an end to illegal activities.
Reaction of the PHC and intervention of the competent authorities:
As soon as the company’s industrial guards learned of the attack, they immediately requested police assistance. Unfortunately, the police were also attacked during their intervention on the spot, resulting in the injury of one of the police officers and the taking hostage of an industrial guard.
Faced with this critical situation, the competent authorities reacted quickly by launching an investigation which led to the arrest of those responsible for the attack. Among those arrested is the Head of the Bokala-Wamba Group, Mr. Alphonse BOSUKI MBANGA. Moreover, thanks to the intervention of the authorities, the industrial guard taken hostage was released safe and sound.
Ongoing commitment to local communities:
PHC strongly condemns these acts of violence which not only resulted in losses to the company, but also caused injuries to local community members and police. However, despite this tragic incident, PHC reaffirms its commitment to shared prosperity with local communities.
The company intends to continue its actions of community engagement and dialogue with residents in order to foster good neighborly relations and contribute to the economic and social development of the region.. PHC is committed to working towards sustainable prosperity through agribusiness, in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.
Conclusion :
The armed attack on PHC employees in Lokutu was a tragic event that notoriously highlighted the security challenges facing the company. PHC strongly condemns this violence and will continue to pursue its commitment to shared prosperity with local communities. This attack reinforces the commitment of PHC to work closely with authorities and communities to prevent such incidents in the future and promote sustainable development in the region.