Title: Armed Attack on PHC Employees in Lokutu Shakes Region
Introduction :
On July 1, 2023, an armed attack perpetrated by a militia from the Bokala-Wamba group disrupted the peace on the Lokutu site, belonging to Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC). This attack not only disrupted the company’s operations, but also caused serious injuries to one of the PHC employees, who had to be urgently hospitalized. Faced with this alarming situation, the company’s industrial guards contacted the police for help, but the police were also attacked by the attackers. An investigation was quickly launched, leading to several arrests, including that of the Head of the Bokala-Wamba Group.
The context and motivations of the attack:
According to available information, this attack was a reaction to the arrest of thieves who illegally cut down palm trees belonging to the PHC in the Bokala-Wamba groupement. Despite dialogue and sensitization efforts between the community engagement teams of the PHCs, the local authorities and the Chef de groupement, the felling of palm trees had persisted. The arrests had then been necessary, which would have led to this retaliatory attack.
The reaction of the authorities and the company:
Faced with this attack, the competent authorities acted quickly by launching an in-depth investigation, which led to the arrest of those responsible for the attack. For its part, the company PHC strongly condemns these actions, which have caused material losses and injuries to members of the local community and to the police. PHC reaffirms its commitment to peaceful coexistence with local communities and its desire to contribute to shared prosperity through agribusiness.
Conclusion :
The armed attack on PHC employees in Lokutu sent shockwaves through the region. The motivations for this attack, linked to conflicts around the illegal logging of palm trees, highlight the need for increased dialogue and awareness-raising efforts to address such issues. The authorities reacted quickly by launching a thorough investigation and making arrests. PHC strongly condemns these acts and reiterates its commitment to local communities. This attack also highlights the importance of security in areas of economic activity and highlights the challenges that companies in the sector may face