Kinshasa, February 20, 2026 – A significant milestone was reached at the Centre Boboto in Kinshasa. Under the auspices of the Independent Complaint Mechanism (ICM), stakeholders officially acknowledged the conclusion of the mediation process between Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC) and the communities living around its operational sites in Lokutu (Tshopo province), Boteka (Equateur province), and Yaligimba (Mongala province).
This decision marks the transition from a mediation phase to a new stage dedicated to the implementation and monitoring of the agreed commitments. Representatives of the provincial authorities, present at the meeting, reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the effective protection of community interests throughout this new phase.
A Process Aimed at Creating Shared Prosperity
The ICM mediation process was initially triggered in 2018 following a complaint filed by the NGO RIAO-RDC, on behalf of local communities, against PHC under the former management of the Feronia Group. The complaint was submitted to the European development banks that were financing the company at the time. The banks forwarded the complaint to the ICM for mediation between PHC and the local communities. The objective of the ICM mediation was to establish a structured dialogue framework and to ease tensions between the two parties.
Despite a change in PHC shareholding in 2020 and the financial disengagement of the European development banks from PHC which made the mediation process obsolete, the Congolese management of PHC empowered by the new shareholders deliberately chose to continue the mediation process in order to foster lasting peace and rebuild trust with the communities.
The ICM mediation resulted in the publication of a final report in August 2024, followed by peaceful cohabitation agreements concluded in December 2024 under the facilitation of the Governors of Equateur and Tshopo Provinces.
Toward Independent and Inclusive Monitoring
During the meeting held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, participants agreed that the ICM mediation phase had now formally concluded, giving way to the full implementation of the commitments undertaken in the agreements mediated by the ICM and those obtained through the mediation by the Provincial Governors.
To this end, an independent monitoring mechanism has been established:
- The mandate for monitoring the implementation of the agreements is entrusted to RIAO-RDC, the NGO that carried the communities’ complaint to European development banks and triggered the mediation process by the ICM;
- RIAO-RDC will work on collaboration with locally based NGOs such as CADAP, MUDEV, ANPS and others. These civil society organizations will have to be approved by the local communities and by PHC;
The Monitoring Committee’s primary mandate shall be; to verify compliance with the commitments made by the parties within the framework of the mediation and to inform the concerned parties through its regular reports.
This framework is intended to ensure transparent, structured, and inclusive follow-up of the commitments made.
Strengthened Social Impact
Since 2021, PHC’s new management team has undertaken a structural transformation of its community relations. Beyond honouring the social commitments made in 2018, the company has intensified its investments in priority sectors:
Health: PHC operates a hospital network composed of four hospitals totalling approximately 500 beds, serving the populations of Lokutu, Yaligimba, and Boteka. The quality of healthcare services has been significantly improved. In addition, several public health centers have been rehabilitated, strengthening access to primary healthcare in surrounding rural areas.
Education: To date, the company has rehabilitated 46 schools, facilitating access to education for more than 15,000 children in the areas where it operates.
Infrastructure: Bridges have been rehabilitated and agricultural feeder roads restored in order to open up rural areas, facilitate mobility, and support local economic exchanges.
PHC wishes to thank all involved in the mediation process and look forward to the continued partnership during implementation of the agreements.
