Geneva, September 12, 2025 – Afriland First Group SA has released a statement in response to information circulating on social media claiming that the General Directorate of Taxes (DGI) had sealed the headquarters of Afriland First Bank CD.
The group wishes to clarify that since its creation in 2005 until July 2, 2021, the Congolese bank has never been subject to administrative closure or any such measures by tax authorities or any other institution.
According to Afriland First Group, the current situation stems from the decision made on July 2, 2021, when the Congolese government, supported by the Central Bank of Congo, forcibly removed shareholders, expelled the chairman of the board of directors from the country, and dismantled the entire board. This state takeover allegedly led to the “complete destruction” of a major player in the Congolese banking market.
The group strongly rejects any attempt to associate it with the recent sealing, emphasizing that it has not been managing Afriland First Bank CD for the past four years. “The seals were placed after four years of exclusive management by the Congolese government,” Afriland First Group points out.
Facing this situation, the institution filed a complaint with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), the arbitral arm of the World Bank, in August 2023 to challenge the measures taken by the Congolese authorities.
Afriland First Group finally insists that its responsibility cannot be engaged in the management of the Congolese subsidiary since July 2, 2021.
