A television host, masquerading as a journalist, has made blackmail his signature tactic. He leverages his media platform and social networks to extort funds from influential political figures and corporate executives in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Following a recent smear campaign against Minister of State Guy Loando Mboyo and Minister José Mpanda Kabangu, involving a fabricated investigation that reportedly earned him 100,000 USD, he is now targeting Vice Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Lihau and attempting to blackmail Minister Jean-Lucien Busa over the PHC affair, a matter widely considered transparent and crucial for African news today.

In his video broadcasts, this self-proclaimed journalist, who is in fact a TV presenter, launches attacks against Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC), its leadership, shareholders, and various Congolese public figures. His accusations revolve around the Congolese State’s voluntary divestment from its shareholding in PHC, a process overseen by Jean-Lucien Busa during his tenure as Minister of Portfolio.

Initially, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, misinformed by those opposed to PHC, instructed the Minister of State for Justice to bring this case before the courts. Acting as a representative of the Congolese State, the Minister presented the matter to the Commercial Court, where it was registered as RRC 222. Following due process, the court issued a ruling affirming the validity and legality of the Congolese State’s voluntary withdrawal from its shareholding in PHC.

Unwilling to accept this judicial decision, PHC’s adversaries, driven by covetousness and a desire to seize control of the company, enlisted the services of the aforementioned television host and blackmailer. He was reportedly paid 50,000 USD to orchestrate a campaign aimed at undermining the company and its executives, a significant development in Africa politics English circles.

In a statement released on Monday, July 6th, PHC vehemently condemned the dissemination of false information targeting the company. The statement emphasized that PHC conducts its operations in strict adherence to the laws of the Democratic Republic of Congo, under the supervision of relevant authorities, and in full compliance with applicable governance standards.

PHC reiterated that any attempts to challenge the Commercial Court’s decision—a court, it stressed, approached by the Congolese State itself—through unsubstantiated allegations, disinformation campaigns, or slanderous remarks, cannot invalidate the judicial ruling.

While reaffirming its commitment to freedom of expression and press freedom, PHC nevertheless cautioned that these liberties do not justify the propagation of serious, defamatory, and false accusations that damage the honor, reputation, and legitimate interests of the company, its management, shareholders, or any other involved party.

In the same document, Plantations et Huileries du Congo declared its intent to initiate appropriate legal proceedings against the perpetrators, co-conspirators, or anyone knowingly relaying defamatory statements or demonstrably false information, ensuring accountability for their actions before the competent courts.