From left: Israeli businessman Dan Gertler, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and his former adviser Vidiye Tshimanga. © Claire Seichepine/Studio Pachamama (Sipa USA/Alamy Stock Photo/YouTube)

In Focus | DRC
The covert operation that targeted Dan Gertler's enemies around Tshisekedi

Published on 17.10.2022 at 05:00 GMT Reading time 10 min

Africa Intelligence can reveal that the person who set the trap that precipitated the fall of DR Congo presidential adviser Vidiye Tshimanga had previously tried to approach the country's oil minister, Didier Budimbu. Three Israeli businessmen were also targeted. All of them have in common that they had a run-in with Israeli billionaire Dan Gertler.

The mining magnate Dan Gertler's dealings with the highest levels of the Congolese state are like episodes from a whodunnit novel. But he no longer has complete control over the narrative, as he did during the rule of his "brother" Joseph Kabila, who was the country's president from 2001 till 2019. Since Felix Tshisekedi came to power, the Israeli billionaire

This article may be accessed by subscribers

In order to ensure high-quality and independent journalism, Africa Intelligence relies solely on subscriptions from its readers, with no advertising, no events and no consulting work.

Several offers are available depending on your particular reading needs

Consult our offers

Do you want a free trial before subscribing?

Create your free account

Discover our work by making use of the following possibilities: daily newsletters, a selection of free articles, keyword alerts.

Do you want a free trial before subscribing?

create a free account

DRC
Dan Gertler in new court clash with his former lawyer Roger Masamba

Israeli tycoon Dan Gertler is battling legal claims from his former Congolese lawyer Roger Masamba that he owes him almost a billion dollars in fees.

Subscribers only Politics 22.05.2024

In Focus | DRC
Dan Gertler's billions of dollars in royalties at heart of huge legal battle

Africa Intelligence has seen a series of confidential documents revealing a dispute between Dan Gertler and his former Congolese lawyer. This complex file reveals the financial arrangements put in place by the Israeli billionaire to deal with US sanctions.

Subscribers only Finance, Mining 20.03.2024

Dan Gertler addresses the Congolese people on 16 November 2020.

DRC
Sanctions against Dan Gertler continue to divide Washington

The possibility of temporarily lifting sanctions against Israeli mining magnate Dan Gertler is still under discussion in Washington but is far from being unanimously supported.

Subscribers only Mining 14.03.2024

In Focus | Africa
Israel's 'Shin Bet' diplomacy in West Africa

Drawing on his experience at the Israeli domestic intelligence agency, the new DG of the Foreign Ministry, Ronen Levi, has left his mark on the country's African diplomacy in under a year. His strategy focuses on countries in the Sahel, where he sees opportunity in the region's recent regime changes.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 09.10.2023

Ronen Levi, Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

DRC
Ivanhoe awaits result of arbitration appeal against the company of ex-adviser Tshimanga

Ivanhoe Mines' claims were rejected by a Paris arbitration tribunal last September. The Canadian firm is now hoping for a better result in its appeal against the Congolese company Congo Bantu Mining (Cobamin).

Subscribers only Mining 08.06.2023

Spotlight | Angola, DRC
Kinshasa still soft-pedalling on contentious oil blocks run by Angola despite $78bn loss

Angola has benefited enormously from oil blocks located partly in a maritime zone to which Kinshasa could lay claim, according to a confidential report financed by the World Bank and submitted to President Félix Tshisekedi's office.

Subscribers only Energy 22.03.2023

President of Democratic Republic of the Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, with President of Angola, Joao Lourenco, the 5th of February 2019.

Spotlight | DRC
Following Washington's threats, Tshisekedi presidency tries to discreetly renegotiate its Gertler deal

Félix Tshisekedi's presidency is using the utmost discretion to try to renegotiate the financial compensation it granted Israeli billionaire Dan Gertler 10 months ago. The US, which is threatening to impose sanctions on members of the Congolese government, has been a key player in this U-turn.

Subscribers only Finance, Politics, Business 21.12.2022

DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

DRC
Probe into Sodimico deal with US rapper Akon's firm

A deposit deemed exhausted, a company dissolved in Wyoming, and commitments never fulfilled: the DRC's finance inspectorate is taking a close look at the US rapper Akon's adventures in the mines of Haut-Katanga province.

Subscribers only Mining 08.12.2022

DRC
Tshisekedi's reshuffles his presidential staff, one step at a time

For months, the Congolese president has been promising to shake up and slim down his team of top aides. The new line-up is finally taking shape, with the position of special adviser likely to be culled.

Subscribers only Politics 06.12.2022

The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Felix Tshisekedi in Bujumbura (Burundi) on 21 May 2022.

DRC
Tshisekedi's futile attempts to resume contact with Kabila

President Félix Tshisekedi has tried to call his predecessor Joseph Kabila several times to arrange a meeting. Unwilling to do so, the former leader continues to be consulted by his political family and international diplomats.

Subscribers only Politics 01.11.2022

Current President Félix Tshisekedi and his predecessor Joseph Kabila.

DRC
Senate criticises $700m tax rebate given to Glencore

In an unpublished parliamentary report, DR Congo senators have objected to the role of President Félix Tshisekedi's office in the 2021 tax breaks granted to Swiss commodity trader Glencore.

Subscribers only Mining 24.10.2022

Inner Circle | Liberia
Weah's political apparatus weakened as he gears up for 2023 elections

President George Weah's closest aide has been hit with US sanctions and the country is in an economic mess. The Liberian leader has been forced to adapt and is relying on a handful of advisers as he prepares to run for a second term in next year's elections.

Subscribers only Politics 07.10.2022

Spotlight | DRC, United States
The spectre of sanctions is closing in on the Tshisekedi presidency

The US treasury has completed its investigation into André Wameso, one of the closest advisers of the DRC president. Though nothing has yet been decided in Washington, if he is placed under sanctions, this is likely to undermine the Congolese administration in the run-up to the next elections in late 2023.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 06.10.2022

Spotlight | DRC
Cloak and daggers in the highest echelons of the Congolese state

President Tshisekedi's strategic adviser Vidiye Tshimanga has been secretly caught on film meeting two fake investors on several occasions. Parts of these recordings have been made public and they cast an unflattering light on the practices, and also the tensions, within the president's office.

Subscribers only Politics 16.09.2022

In Focus | DRC
Rabbi Moyal in last-ditch attempt at mediation between Dan Gertler and Félix Tshisekedi

Rabbi-businessman Avraham Moyal has become Dan Gertler's envoy to the Congolese authorities, as the Israeli mining magnate, who was all-powerful under Joseph Kabila, struggles with US sanctions. As he waits to be rehabilitated as the DRC's honorary consul in Israel, Gertler has surrounded himself with ultra-orthodox figures in preparation for his latest reconciliation with the Tshisekedi regime.

Subscribers only Politics 22.08.2022

Rabbi Avraham Moyal (left), Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Pastor Paul-David Olangi (right) in March 2021 in Kinshasa.

DRC
Dan Gertler made a secret trip to meet Félix Tshisekedi before Antony Blinken's arrival

Breaking news published on 11/08/22 at 18:05 - Less than 24 hours before the arrival in the DRC of the head of US diplomacy Antony Blinken, Dan Gertler visited Kinshasa. With great discretion, Washington is preparing files for possible sanctions targeting advisers of President Tshisekedi involved in the agreement with the Israeli billionaire.

Subscribers only Mining, Diplomacy 11.08.2022

Spotlight | DRC
Strong-arm tactics over Dan Gertler's blocks 1 & 2

The attempt by hydrocarbons minister Didier Budimbu to block a vital deal with Israeli billionaire seemingly led to him being questioned by the intelligence services for 24 hours, despite his good standing with Félix Tshisekedi.

Subscribers only Energy 21.04.2022

DRC
DRC picks star arbitrator for conflict with Dan Gertler's Caprikat and Foxwhelp

The Israeli tycoon has been forced to accept arbitration at the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, the outcome of which could cost him several hundred million dollars. The name of the tribunal's president has not yet been disclosed, but the arbitrators appointed by each party are now known.

Subscribers only Energy 20.12.2021

In Focus | DRC
Mossad director Yossi Cohen's very personal diplomacy

President Félix Tshisekedi's overreaction to Belarusian businessman Alexander Zingman's visit to the country last month stems from an earlier, largely unreported, episode: three trips to Kinshasa made by Yossi Cohen, head of the Israeli foreign intelligence service Mossad.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 19.04.2021

On our other sites

Leaked emails shed light on former Israeli leaders' dealings with private intelligence companies

Ehud Barak, secret correspondence (2/2) - Ehud Barak and Benny Gantz discussed cooperation opportunities with Black Cube and with Wikistrat founder Joel Zamel, according to a new trove of emails.

Subscribers only Corporate Intel Intelligence Online 19.09.2025

Ehud Barak (right) and Benny Gantz, 18 October 2011.

In Focus | DRC
The covert operation that targeted Dan Gertler's enemies around Tshisekedi

This article may be accessed by subscribers

Do you want a free trial before subscribing?

Create your free account

create a free account

Related topics to this article

Read also

DRC
Dan Gertler in new court clash with his former lawyer Roger Masamba

In Focus | DRC
Dan Gertler's billions of dollars in royalties at heart of huge legal battle

DRC
Sanctions against Dan Gertler continue to divide Washington

In Focus | Africa
Israel's 'Shin Bet' diplomacy in West Africa

DRC
Ivanhoe awaits result of arbitration appeal against the company of ex-adviser Tshimanga

Spotlight | Angola, DRC
Kinshasa still soft-pedalling on contentious oil blocks run by Angola despite $78bn loss

Spotlight | DRC
Following Washington's threats, Tshisekedi presidency tries to discreetly renegotiate its Gertler deal

DRC
Probe into Sodimico deal with US rapper Akon's firm

DRC
Tshisekedi's reshuffles his presidential staff, one step at a time

DRC
Tshisekedi's futile attempts to resume contact with Kabila

DRC
Senate criticises $700m tax rebate given to Glencore

Inner Circle | Liberia
Weah's political apparatus weakened as he gears up for 2023 elections

Spotlight | DRC, United States
The spectre of sanctions is closing in on the Tshisekedi presidency

Spotlight | DRC
Cloak and daggers in the highest echelons of the Congolese state

In Focus | DRC
Rabbi Moyal in last-ditch attempt at mediation between Dan Gertler and Félix Tshisekedi

DRC
Dan Gertler made a secret trip to meet Félix Tshisekedi before Antony Blinken's arrival

Spotlight | DRC
Strong-arm tactics over Dan Gertler's blocks 1 & 2

DRC
DRC picks star arbitrator for conflict with Dan Gertler's Caprikat and Foxwhelp

In Focus | DRC
Mossad director Yossi Cohen's very personal diplomacy

Leaked emails shed light on former Israeli leaders' dealings with private intelligence companies

About Africa Intelligence

Subscription

Africa Intelligence on social media

Indigo Publications' websites

About Africa Intelligence

Subscription

Indigo Publications' websites

In Focus | DRC The covert operation that targeted Dan Gertler's enemies around Tshisekedi

This article may be accessed by subscribers

Do you want a free trial before subscribing?

Create your free account

create a free account

Related topics to this article

Read also

DRC Dan Gertler in new court clash with his former lawyer Roger Masamba

In Focus | DRC Dan Gertler's billions of dollars in royalties at heart of huge legal battle

DRC Sanctions against Dan Gertler continue to divide Washington

In Focus | Africa Israel's 'Shin Bet' diplomacy in West Africa

DRC Ivanhoe awaits result of arbitration appeal against the company of ex-adviser Tshimanga

Spotlight | Angola, DRC Kinshasa still soft-pedalling on contentious oil blocks run by Angola despite $78bn loss

Spotlight | DRC Following Washington's threats, Tshisekedi presidency tries to discreetly renegotiate its Gertler deal

DRC Probe into Sodimico deal with US rapper Akon's firm

DRC Tshisekedi's reshuffles his presidential staff, one step at a time

DRC Tshisekedi's futile attempts to resume contact with Kabila

DRC Senate criticises $700m tax rebate given to Glencore

Inner Circle | Liberia Weah's political apparatus weakened as he gears up for 2023 elections

Spotlight | DRC, United States The spectre of sanctions is closing in on the Tshisekedi presidency

Spotlight | DRC Cloak and daggers in the highest echelons of the Congolese state

In Focus | DRC Rabbi Moyal in last-ditch attempt at mediation between Dan Gertler and Félix Tshisekedi

DRC Dan Gertler made a secret trip to meet Félix Tshisekedi before Antony Blinken's arrival

Spotlight | DRC Strong-arm tactics over Dan Gertler's blocks 1 & 2

DRC DRC picks star arbitrator for conflict with Dan Gertler's Caprikat and Foxwhelp

In Focus | DRC Mossad director Yossi Cohen's very personal diplomacy

Leaked emails shed light on former Israeli leaders' dealings with private intelligence companies

About Africa Intelligence

Subscription

Africa Intelligence on social media

Indigo Publications' websites

In Focus | DRC
The covert operation that targeted Dan Gertler's enemies around Tshisekedi

DRC
Dan Gertler in new court clash with his former lawyer Roger Masamba

In Focus | DRC
Dan Gertler's billions of dollars in royalties at heart of huge legal battle

DRC
Sanctions against Dan Gertler continue to divide Washington

In Focus | Africa
Israel's 'Shin Bet' diplomacy in West Africa

DRC
Ivanhoe awaits result of arbitration appeal against the company of ex-adviser Tshimanga

Spotlight | Angola, DRC
Kinshasa still soft-pedalling on contentious oil blocks run by Angola despite $78bn loss

Spotlight | DRC
Following Washington's threats, Tshisekedi presidency tries to discreetly renegotiate its Gertler deal

DRC
Probe into Sodimico deal with US rapper Akon's firm

DRC
Tshisekedi's reshuffles his presidential staff, one step at a time

DRC
Tshisekedi's futile attempts to resume contact with Kabila

DRC
Senate criticises $700m tax rebate given to Glencore

Inner Circle | Liberia
Weah's political apparatus weakened as he gears up for 2023 elections

Spotlight | DRC, United States
The spectre of sanctions is closing in on the Tshisekedi presidency

Spotlight | DRC
Cloak and daggers in the highest echelons of the Congolese state

In Focus | DRC
Rabbi Moyal in last-ditch attempt at mediation between Dan Gertler and Félix Tshisekedi

DRC
Dan Gertler made a secret trip to meet Félix Tshisekedi before Antony Blinken's arrival

Spotlight | DRC
Strong-arm tactics over Dan Gertler's blocks 1 & 2

DRC
DRC picks star arbitrator for conflict with Dan Gertler's Caprikat and Foxwhelp

In Focus | DRC
Mossad director Yossi Cohen's very personal diplomacy