On April 30, 2024, a shocking act of repression took place in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, during a meeting of shareholders of Plantation et Huilerie du Congo (PHC) from different countries. Environmental rights defenders were arrested, and an environmental journalist was abducted after displaying three banners denouncing the mistreatment by the PHC company.

This event followed a letter from RIAO – DRC addressed to PHC in April 2024, which led the officials of this multinational company to urgently organize a meeting in Kinshasa. The protesters also demanded that the company establish a board of directors to avoid perpetuating the violation of people’s rights through the national director, who refuses to respect the clauses without the authorization of the non-existent board of directors. This peaceful action aimed to exert pressure on the senior officials of PHC and the government to uphold the demands of the affected communities. The protesters particularly demanded the release of unjustly imprisoned communities, compensation for work accidents, retirees, and other legitimate claims. Additionally, they called for the opening of the Lokutu and Boteka ports, asserting that they are public thoroughfares and not the property of PHC.

The security forces were called to suppress the protesters, vandalize their work equipment, and abduct one journalist and one environmental defender.

The Resource Centre invited PHC to respond to the allegations but it did not respond. If a response is received in future this page will be updated accordingly.