On Thursday, 27 March 2025, the civil society organisation Rencontre pour la Paix et les Droits de l’Homme (RPDH) was blocked from conducting its activities in the Tchiamba Nzassi district of Pointe-Noire Department. The RPDH team was attempting to visit communities near the Kayo and Mbanga Kayo oil sites operated by the Chinese company WING-WAH, as part of their “PAPCo – Preparing for Post-Oil in Congo” project. The sub-prefect of Tchiamba Nzassi district denied them access, stating that approval from his superiors was required. The delegation was asked to return later for permission. Upon returning a week later on 2 April 2025, they were again prevented from accessing and meeting the communities, as the sub-prefect still had not received the necessary approval. As of April 2025, the RPDH has been unable to engage with the communities in the area, delaying their project activities. The ongoing restrictions violate fundamental rights such as freedom of association and the right to access information.
