A network of bot‑like accounts, media outlets, and users on the social‑media platform X has been spreading disinformation to support Israeli businessman Dan Gertler, who was sanctioned by the United States for corrupt activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The campaign seeks to rehabilitate Gertler’s image and to undermine civil‑society groups that have criticized his dealings.
The effort began with articles published in at least ten Congolese media outlets, which claimed that an Israeli arbitration had cleared Gertler of corruption allegations. In reality, the arbitration was a civil dispute between business partners and did not exonerate Gertler of the corruption charges that led to his U.S. sanctions in 2017. These articles were amplified by a cluster of bot‑like accounts on X that posted nearly identical replies to a post by a self‑described “pro‑democracy activist.” The accounts, created in February 2025, argued that the U.S. sanctions on Gertler were unjust and harmful to the DRC’s interests.
The same accounts also targeted civil‑society organizations, including the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF). They posted repetitive replies to a statement by the group’s director, Jimmy Kande. An analysis of the accounts’ histories shows a coordinated campaign: the accounts posted on the same dates, used similar language, and were linked to email addresses that follow a uniform format, suggesting they were created together.
Global Witness, a member of the civil‑society coalition Le Congo N’est Pas à Vendre (CNPAV), which has been critical of Gertler’s activities in the DRC, condemned the disinformation campaign. The group called on governments and digital platforms to act against the spread of false information and to protect civil‑society groups from digital smear campaigns.
The incident highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the use of social‑media platforms, especially regarding corruption and disinformation. It also underscores the importance of safeguarding civil‑society groups and journalists from digital intimidation and smear tactics. Governments and international bodies must adopt a stronger stance against disinformation and work to prevent the misuse of social media to manipulate public opinion and undermine accountability.
Comments are closed for this story.