Congo: Millionaires of Chaos | Full Documentary

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(car honking) - [Narrator] With a population of 14 million, Kinshasa is the largest French-speaking city in the world. The streets are full of activity. Many people get up very early, at around 5 am, and take on several jobs during the day to get by. (speaks in foreign language) - Africa news, (speaks in foreign language). - They can be couriers, sweepers, maggot sellers, (people conversing quietly) (car honking) or even jewelers. At midday, they count their money, often dreaming of making a fortune. (speaks in foreign language) They even dream of wealth in this slum. Like 80% of its inhabitants. Albert, a fisherman, lives on less than £1.50 per day. The country's richest people live just opposite him. (speaks in foreign language) This apartment complex is reserved for the new upper class and of course the millionaires of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It's impossible for anyone from the outside to get in. (upbeat instrumental music) Fally Ipupa is one of these hugely wealthy people that the rest of the country dreams of becoming. (Fally speaks in foreign language) Fally Ipupa is the most famous singer in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he performs all over the world with international stars, and he is a multi-millionaire. (Fally speaks in foreign language) - My guy, I love you, man. - I love you too. - My love Fally Ipupa, you know, (speaks in foreign language). - [Narrator] He has just invested over £600,000 for his new home in this riverside estate. (Fally speaks in foreign language) Just a few bricks makes this Californian-style villa, which stands out hugely here in the Congo, the 8th poorest country in the world. His neighbors are lawyers, financiers, or entrepreneurs who have made their fortune selling raw materials, which the rest of the world is snapping up. The Congo's underground reserves are full of wealth and boost the economy. These people are very wealthy, they could live in London or Miami, but they've chosen to stay here. (people conversing quietly) Fally likes to relax far away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. (gentle upbeat music) The Congo river, one of the longest in the world, is the city's playground. But it's also a source of livelihood for fishermen, who have quickly recognized him. (men shouting) (Fally speaks in foreign language) Fally gets a port employee to distribute a few notes among them. (speaks in foreign language) It's the equivalent of £6 per fisherman, which is the same as an entire working week. (Fally speaks in foreign language) There are already 600 millionaires like Fally, in the Congo. (gentle upbeat music) (suspenseful dramatic music) The Democratic Republic of Congo is the largest country in Central Africa. It's 4 times the size of France. It has been ravaged repeatedly by war for almost 60 years, which has resulted in over 6 million deaths. (guns firing) The country is also under a dictatorship. Mobutu Sese Seko, nicknamed the Leopard of Zaire, was in power for 32 years. While ruling the country with an iron fist, he embezzled 4 billion pounds. In 1996, a civil war broke out. Militias supported by neighboring countries enlisted thousands of child soldiers to try and seize the country's wealth. Mobutu meanwhile, eventually died in exile. Another emblematic president in the early 2000s was Joseph Kabila. He accumulated more than 11 billion pounds during his 18 years in power. He returned to power in January 2019. Today, entire regions are still unstable in this huge country. Everything still needs to be built, and some businessmen make their fortune amid this chaos. (Eric speaks in foreign language) Eric has a huge project at the end of this extremely dangerous road. He is erecting a huge dam to provide the population with electricity. (Eric speaks in foreign language) In the East of the country, the Great Lakes region is one of its most beautiful areas, but also one of the most dangerous in Africa. Having been in almost permanent war for over 20 years. Robert, a former rebel leader, has become a businessman. He is also a politician. (Robert speaks in foreign language) Robert built his fortune in Coltan mines. This is an essential ore for the manufacturing of mobile phones. A small town has been created thanks to this businessman's employment, and every day, 3000 miners also dream of a better life. (speaks in foreign language) The Congo's underground wealth has really boosted the economy. An upper class is emerging and in Kinshasa, the capital, new products are appearing. - That's about $20. - [Narrator] But the majority of the population is still extremely poor. With such disadvantage, these people find refuge in religion, which provides a windfall for corrupt pastors who have practically become stars by selling miracle cures at a high price. (speaks in foreign language) We have traveled to one of the most chaotic countries in Africa, to understand how its people manage to get by, and sometimes even manage to build huge fortunes. (upbeat music) In Kinshasa, the roads resemble like battered tracks. (cars honking) They are difficult to navigate. In this huge mess, a young woman is fighting for her future. She is called Moukembi. (Moukembi speaks in foreign language) Moukembi is in the middle of a test. Sat in the back, Arnaud must evaluate her ability to sneak through traffic, and put a bit of pressure on her. (Arnaud speaks in foreign language) Moukembi has applied for a job as a driver in a start-up company. The company was created by a Congolese businesswoman who wants to lift women out of poverty and is recognizable by its pink cars. Moukembi was a nurse until this point. If she passes the test, she will triple her salary, raising it to 200 pounds per month. (Moukebi speaks in foreign language) (Arnaud speaks in foreign language) To give herself the best chance, Moukembi stays in character right until the end. But it will be a few days until she finds out if she has got the job. There are already about 15 cars in the company's car park. The start-up wants to create high-end services for the middle and upper class. There are drinks, cakes, and even a wifi connection to allow clients to work while they sit in Kinshasa's traffic jams. (Patricia speaks in foreign language) Patricia is a businesswoman, who wants to promote female integration. After studying in South Africa, she returned to the Congo. She has created her driver service with the help of investors. She also supports new businesses launched by women. (Patricia speaks in foreign language) Despite the instability all over her country, (Patricia speaks in foreign language) Patricia wants to show the whole world that the Democratic Republic of Congo can take off. (Patricia speaks in foreign language) Just like Patricia and her friends who are banking on the future of their country, many Congolese people return to work and invest in their country after years of living abroad, especially in Europe or the United States. These repatriates, as they are called, live in secure areas where they can find all of the comforts that they were used to abroad. At La Cité du Fleuve, the complex of high-end apartment buildings and villas extend over 300 hectares, and two new people are moving in, Olivier and Naomie. A few days ago, they were still living in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Olivier speaks in foreign language) Olivier and Naomie work in finance. They decided to return to their country because there are new professional activities and luxury residences like these. (Olivier speaks in foreign language) And it has a breathtaking view of the Congo River. Olivier and Naomie got married in Kinshasa just three days ago, and they want to start their family here. The couple earns £3,000 a month, which is over 100 times the average salary. The rent alone costs almost £1000, but that's the price you pay for security. - I want a place where my kids can play in the street, and you don't have to worry about a hundred other people on the street. And they don't have to worry about noise pollution, air pollution. They can do their homework in peace. So it's also very much about the environment. But also yes, it is a whole lot safer than in the city. (Olivier speaks in foreign language) - [Narrator] Olivier and Naomie have found their safe haven. - It's the beginning of our new life for us. - Yes. - [Narrator] Demand to live in this new residence is growing. Eventually, la Cité du Fleuve will have more than 2,000 homes, including that of the singer Fally Ipupa's. (people conversing quietly) We find him in a large house which he has rented as the backdrop of his new music video. (Fally sings in foreign language) - (speaks in foreign language) Action! - [Narrator] The extras are dressed up as Congolese warriors. The day starts well for Fally, but all of a sudden, the music stops, for there has been a power cut in the area. (speaks in foreign language) Fally and his team are stuck. (gentle upbeat music) Finally, a technician manages to get his hands on a generator, but that quickly breaks too. (generator motor roars) Fally is desperate, even though he is used to such disappointment. (Fally speaks in foreign language) Manon, Fally Ipupa's assistant uses the car's sound system to finish filming the clip. (Manon speaks in foreign language) Thanks to this trick, shooting can finish without a hitch. In his 20-year career, Fally has earned several million pounds. He has had a huge success which is not necessarily an anomaly in this country. (gentle upbeat music) Congo's underground is rich in minerals which have helped make the fortune of several well-advised men. One of the main resources is Coltan. Which, once it's been transformed, is used in the manufacturing of mobile phones. The mines are in the Great Lakes region, in the East of the country on the Rwandan border. In Goma, the capital of North Kivu, conflicts have been raging for over 20 years. Armed groups are trying to seize the land's wealth. The UN permanently deploys 16,000 peacekeepers to maintain a semblance of peace in the region. The region is very poor, traumatized by successive rebellions and massacres. Those who have made their fortune, especially in raw materials, live in the luxurious Lake Kivu. One of the region's most important businessmen lives in this huge villa. There is a watchtower with a huge police presence at the entrance. It's a true fortress. Its owner has several tens of millions of pounds. (Robert speaks in foreign language) Robert Seninga is the king of the Coltan mines. He has had an eventful life. Formerly, he was a rebel leader. Today, he is a businessman, and also a member of the Maisi parliament, a district near to Goma. (Robert speaks in foreign language) He even admits that his power has helped him to become an owner of some of these mines. Robert Seninga is also the president of one of the largest corporations extracting Coltan in this region. He is always escorted by armed guards, as he regularly receives threats. (dramatic suspenseful music) (Robert speaks in foreign language) The building does not pay for the mine, but the cooperative earns millions in turnover every year. (Robert speaks in foreign language) Robert Seninga gives an update on Coltan production over the last few days. (woman speaks in foreign language) And the numbers are pretty good! (Robert speaks in foreign language) Robert Seninga prefers to remain discrete. These last few days, the mines have given a lot to the cooperative and to their owners, almost 2 million pounds. The businessman employs 3000 people to achieve these results. He claims to be a faultless boss. (Robert speaks in foreign language) (dramatic upbeat music) Helmets, boots, and masks are mandatory in the mines to ensure the workers' safety. In fact, the site could be a model example for the region. These mines are situated 60km from Goma. In a beautiful region of North Kivu with hills and pastures as far as the eye can see. (soft instrumental music) It is also one of the most dangerous regions in Africa. It has been at war for over 25 years. In 1995, one of the worst tragedies of the 20th century broke out in Rwanda. A genocide which would kill almost one million people. Hundreds of thousands of survivors fled to the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo and North Kivu in particular. But militants who took part in the massacre joined the exodus. Since then, this region in the East of the Congo has been extremely volatile. Dozens of rebel groups are clashing and in particular, they are trying to capture some of the Congolese underground wealth. Landry, Robert Seninga's chief engineer accompanies us to his mines. (Landry speaks in foreign language) (dramatic suspenseful music) Yet, little seems to have changed in the region in recent years. The road is in a terrible state. Every day, people risk their lives in order to work. Our car struggles to get to the ravine, despite several attempts, due to crevasses full of water. (car engine roaring) (Landry speaks in foreign language) Fatal accidents are common on this road. (Landry speaks in foreign language) It will take us a total of 5 hours to travel just 60km (Landry speaks in foreign language) This is Rubaya, a town near the mining site. The town has boomed recently, growing exponentially in just a few years. Today, 10,000 people live here, practically cut off from the outside world. Life is organized. There's a sewing workshop, a hairdressers, and even something that's turned its inside into a nightclub. In Rubaya, everything has been created to meet the needs of the population that has come to take advantage of this new Congolese wild West. (upbeat music) Robert Seninga's face is displayed everywhere. According to Landry, his loyal follower, he can make all dreams possible. (Landry speaks in foreign language) An economic miracle seems to be taking place. But upon closer look, most homes are simple wooden shacks. Gilles lives here with his wife and their three children. With five people living in 15 meters squared of space, they are forced to be very tidy. (Gilles speaks in foreign language) In the other room, the kitchen is attached to the family bed. (Gilles speaks in foreign language) The couple moved here 5 years ago when Gilles wanted to earn his fortune in the mines. (Gilles speaks in foreign language) For now, Gilles only earns €5 per day. He works tens of kilometers from the center of Rubaya and must travel for an hour and a half to get there. (soft instrumental music) Hundreds of coltan extraction sites surround the area. Gilles' is called Bamfou. Every day, it filters coltan mixed with sand that is extracted from the mine. (dramatic suspenseful music) (water burbling) (Gilles speaks in foreign language) Coltan is this black substance. Once transformed, it goes into the manufacturing of microelectronic components. (Gilles speaks in foreign language) Later on, Gilles has to go into the mine to dig. The wall is very slippery. (conversing in foreign language) And there's no safety measure to rely on along this 15-meter descent. Once you've arrived at the bottom, it is difficult to breathe. Tons of sand have already been excavated, which has opened up tunnels. There is no supporting structure to secure them, so the risk of a landslide is very high. Gilles extracts the coltan using just his hands. (Gilles speaks in foreign language) Priority is given to extraction, never safety. There are regular accidents in these mines. (suspenseful dramatic music) (conversing in foreign language) But Landry, our guide, doesn't see the problem. (Landry speaks in foreign language) There are no official figures, but men regularly lose their lives extracting Coltan. Upon leaving, we notice that some of the miners seem very young. Landry seems embarrassed. (Landry speaks in foreign language) Of Gilles' 30 or so colleagues, at least half don't seem to be older than teenagers. This site isn't an anomaly. We meet a lot of children in the region who hide from the camera. According to UNICEF, mines allegedly employ 40,000 children. This mineral, which is generating fortunes, steals these children's childhood and sometimes even their lives. (suspenseful dramatic music) Two months before filming, a massacre took place one evening in the center of Rubaya. Three men, armed with machetes, launched an attack. 12 were killed, including three women and a five-year-old child. It was undoubtedly a settling of scores over the Coltan black market that plagues the region. Underground re-selling of coltan happens at all levels of the production chain, from miners to site managers. Much of the product is sold illegally to avoid paying taxes to the Congolese government. In Goma, we pose as traders wanting to buy smuggled coltan. We made an appointment with traffickers. (speaks in foreign language) The traffickers present us with different coltan samples to try and convince us. (speaks in foreign language) According to these sellers, the coltan comes from the place where we've just left. (speaks in foreign language) This coltan is tax-free. At this price, the traffickers are responsible for delivering the goods across the Rwandan border. The country is regularly accused of stimulating economic growth through smuggled raw materials from the Democratic Republic of Congo. This theft takes place with the help of Congolese soldiers. Like this man, who lets the convoys pass through. (speaks in foreign language) Like all Congolese civil servants, this soldier only gets a small salary. (Soldier speaks in foreign language) The DRC is one of the 20 most corrupt countries on the planet. In total, corruption costs the Congolese state 11 billion pounds every year. Despite all of this trafficking, the mining sector drives the DRC's economy. The country's economy has grown by almost 6% in 2018 thanks to this industry. This economic success is showcased in Kinshasa, the capital, around the Boulevard (speaks in foreign language). The 30th of June is their Independence Day, which was granted after almost a Century of Belgian rule. Here in the business district, we find Olivier, the young banker who moved to the Cité du Fleuve a few weeks ago with his wife Naomie. - A cheesecake? - Yes, I like this. - I like (indistinct). - Which one? - The apple pie. (Olivier speaks in foreign language)- - [Narrator] These pastries cost £4 each, the same price as in the UK. They're a luxury in Kinshasa. (speaks in foreign language) £21 is almost the country's average salary, but that doesn't seem to bother Olivier. (Olivier speaks in foreign language) Although these well-paid executives only make up a tiny part of the population, new businesses are slowly but surely being set up in the city center. This new clientele, used to the Western way of life, must be catered for. (people conversing quietly) This supermarket has adapted its stock. From coffee capsules to European cheeses, to cereal, you can find everything here that is sold in rich countries. - OK, so we're good? - Yeah. - Can we get... - Juice. - Juice. - [Narrator] But they have to pay a huge price for all of these imported products. - 21,000. - How many dollars? - That's about $20, it's too expensive. Anyone maybe can afford it, I can't speak for other people but $20 is expensive for me. - No for you. I wouldn't spend that kind of money on juice. - Most of the imported products are very expensive. A four-pack of yogurts comes to almost £8. A box of cereal is £10. That's three times more expensive than in the UK. - You know the perception that the people living in the Europe have? - Yeah. - When they hear of Congo they think of war, they think the jungle, they think uncivilized people. - [Narrator] This type of supermarket in the city center is attracting more and more well-off clients, as well as those who have lived abroad like Olivier and Naomie. - I couldn't imagine myself going to the street market, 'cause that's the first thing I thought when we moved here "Oh my gosh, when I leave on my own, "I need to start going to the market. "and buy things, you know in the free market and what not." But, yeah, if these didn't exist, I don't know if we would eat. (both laughs loudly) - [Narrator] Naomie makes sure that she eats a balanced diet. Because she is pregnant, it will be a boy, he's due in three months. - It's a baby boy, I'm a little bit nervous but happy at the same time. I think it's just like first-time parents we've never raised another human. (Naomie and Olivier both laughs loudly) - [Narrator] This is the perfect outcome for the couple, who have had time to settle down. - You, the table is full? - I think we are done. - Falls behind - [Narrator] Little by little, their apartment is becoming more homely. (indistinct) - Short prayer? (conversing quietly) Okay, Heavenly Father, thank you for this meal. We thank you for the (indistinct). - [Narrator] This meal gives them a chance to consider their child's future, which will most likely be in the Democratic Republic of Congo. (Olivier speaks in foreign language) - I want him to be an entrepreneur - [Olivier] Why? - Because I want him to be his own boss. And I don't want him to spend his life working for somebody else. - [Narrator] An entrepreneur, the job that young Congolese people dream of. The job is demanding, but the success more than makes up for it. This evening an entrepreneur is celebrating an exciting new contract. He is called Eric Monga. This business leader is also at the top of an employers' union. (Eric speaks in foreign language)- Eric's friends are drinking only the best champagne. They are celebrating good news. The businessman has just come back from Florida in the USA, where he met with investors. He is in the process of convincing them to fund his project, which is certainly ambitious, and which will cost upwards of £250 million. (Eric speaks in foreign language) Eric wants to construct what will be one of the Congo's largest dams. Today, less than 1 in 5 Congolese people are connected to the electricity network. Eric is hoping to fill part of this gap with this new project. (Eric speaks in foreign language) - In time, Eric will improve the living conditions for some of his 81 million fellow citizens. The businessman is from Lubumbashi in the south of the Congo. He has made his fortune by creating a company specializing in the analysis of minerals. The entrepreneur is leaving this morning for an expedition on the site of his future dam. - Hey Isaac, (Eric speaks in foreign language) - [Narrator] It is 350km away. Eric is looking to check the river's flow rate. But the road is extremely dangerous, and Eric asks his colleagues to be careful. (Eric speaks in foreign language) There are no lights, very little signage, and potholes everywhere. The National Road 1 Highway which crosses Katanga is one of the most deadly roads in the country. Many lorries transporting minerals and chemical products used in the mining industry use this road every day. - Acid, acid, acid. - [Narrator] Drivers on this road will take any risks necessary to ensure timely delivery of their precious merchandise. (Eric speaks in foreign language) Three of the eleven passengers in this vehicle were just killed, just a few hours ago. But that doesn't affect these drivers. Eric is worried, a high-speed car suddenly comes by a little too close. (Eric speaks in foreign language) Despite the low visibility, the driver goes for it. (Eric speaks in foreign language) After 3 hours of difficult driving, Eric can finally breathe a sigh of relief. He leaves the National Road 1 Highway to take a long 100km track which isused far less frequently. The area where he hopes to set up his dam is currently very remote. In order to construct it, he will have to bring workers in from far away. But the challenge is worth it. (Eric speaks in foreign language) In the meantime, Eric has set up a small camp in the middle of nowhere which hosts a dozen engineers. (people conversing in foreign language) The employees have been living here for a year completely alone. They have a water tank, a generator, and a small shed for tools. (Eric speaks in foreign language) (gentle upbeat music) Despite being tired from traveling, this businessman can't waste any time, he leads his team to the bank of the Lufira river, which runs through the dam. Eric checks the height and the speed of the water. (Eric speaks in foreign language) The project has already successfully passed all of the feasibility tests. (Eric speaks in foreign language) The project will be one of the five largest in the Congo. With a height of 90 meters, it will produce 150 megawatts of power which will be able to provide 500 000 people with electricity. It will supply the equivalent of the population of Manchester. The dam's construction is expected to create almost 3000 jobs and boost the region's economy. (Eric speaks in foreign language) Several large investors, notably Americans, have registered their interest in the project. Eric hopes to gather the £250 million needed for the project in the next three years. Upon returning to the camp, he has a small surprise for his team. (Eric speaks in foreign language) He has asked his cook to prepare a celebratory meal of traditional dishes. (Eric speaks in foreign language) Eric believes that in this country, one of the least developed in the world, there are various opportunities for success. You just need to dare to take a leap and get started. (Eric speaks in foreign language) Inspired by the boldness and success of entrepreneurs like Eric, more and more Congolese people are throwing themselves into the world of business in a hope to escape poverty. And this dream motivates thousands of women in Kinshasa every day. They come at 4 am from all parts of the city to stock up on bread from this wholesaler. They buy whatever they can to make a living that day. Marie comes here every day for the 6 am batch (Marie speaks in foreign language) Marie was widowed 6 months ago and therefore has the huge responsibility of bringing enough home to feed her whole family (Marie speaks in foreign language) Marie is carrying more than 15kg of goods on her head. She sets up her stall in a strategic location every day which will get her the most clients. (Marie and customer speaks in foreign language) Thanks to her smile and her kindness, Marie usually attracts a lot of customers. (Marie speaks in foreign language) Marie earns £50 per day, thanks to this little stand. She believes in her business and dreams of opening other stands like this one. she even allows herself to imagine making a fortune! (Marie speaks in foreign language) But there's still a long way to go because Marie's net profit for a day's work is just £15. And a third of this sum needs to go towards renting a small apartment with a kitchen on the landing. (Marie speaks in foreign language) Inside, there is a single room which is used as a bedroom and living room for Marie and her daughter. Sarah is the youngest of her five children. (Marie speaks in foreign language) With a salary higher than 350 pounds per month, Marie could live in a bigger apartment. But she would rather save money on her housing in order to fund her children's studies. (Marie speaks in foreign language) Their schooling costs her £25 per month, but it will give them the tools they need to encourage them to dream big too. (gentle upbeat music) (Marie daughter speaks in foreign language) Like 90% of Congolese people, Marie and her daughter Sarah are Christians. They follow the Evangelical denomination. The shopkeeper visits a temple three times a week. She thanks God for having spared her from poverty. (Marie speaks in foreign language) Evangelical churches thrive in the Congo, much like in many other African countries, and by exploiting the Congolese people's strong faith and sometimes their naivety, some religious leaders have become millionaires. This Sunday morning in Kinshasa, all of the city's usually very busy main streets are strangely deserted. (lively cheerful music) Since dawn, tens of thousands of people have been heading towards the largest stadium in Central Africa. (group chattering) 80,000 attendees are not there for a football match or a huge concert. They have come to hear a speech from a man who sells a juice which supposedly has extraordinary powers. (speaks in foreign language) (Man speaks in foreign language) (congregation chattering) There are cameramen, photographers, cheerleaders, policemen on alert, it's the biggest event of the year. It is also being broadcast live on television. The star everyone is waiting for is called the Prophet. He lives a few kilometers away from the stadium. We find him at his home where his escort is already ready and dressed impeccably. His bodyguards are also his disciples. (Bodyguard speaks in foreign language) The prophet Kondé is this man with a floral shirt. Dominique, his first name, created a Christian church in the Congo which has 5 million followers. It is a success story that could make people jealous. Dominique Khondé says that he regularly receives death threats. (Dominique speaks in foreign language) In his living room, the so-called prophet is proud to show us his dozens of diplomas. He is recognized as a scientist, a scholar, and a universal minister of peace. He also received the medal of civic merit from the ex-President Joseph Kabila. He also has a peculiar diploma on display which has the European flag on it, congratulating him for having introduced the juice which "delivers and saves". (Dominique speaks in foreign language) The prophet doesn't really respond to the question, but this supposedly miraculous juice has made him his fortune, and perhaps that of his church as well. His first clients are these many loyal followers. It is two o'clock, Dominique Khondé, surrounded by his armed bodyguards, leaves for the stadium. (Dominique speaks in foreign language) (tense gentle music) (crowd cheering) Upon arrival, the man is greeted by a cheering crowd. (crowd cheers) Before going on stage, Dominique Khondé greets Bruno Tshibala in the crowd, the country's Prime Minister. After prayers and hymns, the prophet reads his sermon. It is a call for everyone to keep faith in the future. (Dominique speaks in foreign language) The apparent prophet is a clever man, he does not sell his miraculous juice in public places like this stadium, he dispenses it more discreetly in small parishes scattered around the country. It is thanks to this network that he has already raked in millions of pounds. A few days later, Dominique Khondé holds an open session in Matete in the suburbs of Kinshasa. There are already more than 100 people waiting on the pavement in front of the entrance for a consultation. (Woman speaks in foreign language) At 11 o'clock, Dominique Khondé arrives in his large 4 by 4, worth several thousand pounds. - Amen. - Amen. - Amen. (crowd cheers) - All of his followers have come for his supposedly magical remedy. But before being allowed to get it, you must go to the cash register and make a small donation. Dominique Khondé meets a long line of ill people. This woman suffered a brain hemorrhage a year ago. (Dominique and woman conversing in foreign language) Consultations often only last a few seconds. The prescription is always the same. (Dominique speaks in foreign language) Once they've received a prescription, the ill people are directed towards the room next door, which is the pharmacy. This is where you find the famous juice. It is sold in small used water bottles. The followers are convinced that it makes miracles happen. (Woman speaks in foreign language) (Woman speaks in foreign language) It's a promise with no scientific foundation, which can be a dangerous message for ill people. It costs over 10 pounds for just 500ml of the juice. It's a huge sum which equates to half of the average salary. As a result, the poorest patients share the costs. (Man speaks in foreign language) The room is letting off a strong smell of petrol. (Man speaks in foreign language) (water burbling) The juice is packed on-site, the demand is so high that Domnique Khondé will soon have to begin industrial production. He has just received the new packaging. (suspenseful dramatic music) (Dominique speaks in foreign language) It mentions on the packaging that it cures diseases such as epilepsy, cancer, and even AIDS. How does it have so much power? If he could explain it would provide a divine inspiration. But when we ask Dominique Khondé to read to us what is written on the box, he avoids reading the word AIDS. (Dominique speaks in foreign language) In the Congo, around 400,000 people are infected with AIDS. Another false statement that the prophet gives is that his juice supposedly resurrects dead children. (Dominique speaks in foreign language) While we are in his office, his assistants count and stack banknotes. This scammer sells tens of thousands of bottles every year and doesn't ever worry about getting caught. (gentle instrumental music)
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Channel: Best Documentary
Views: 156,303
Rating: undefined out of 5
Keywords: documentary, full documentary, democratic republic of congo, full documentary 2023, yt:cc=on, coltan, kinshasa, millionaires, poverty, drc, business
Id: 5QbYYsU9gx0
Channel Id: undefined
Length: 58min 53sec (3533 seconds)
Published: Sun Jun 25 2023
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