Africa: When journalism becomes a weapon of blackmail, the Said Penda affair and the cabal against EBOMAF
In a recently released video, Said Penda, presenting himself as a seasoned investigative journalist, launched a direct attack on the company EBOMAF and its president, Mahamadou Bonkoungou. Beneath the posture of a so-called “whistleblower”, an analysis of the facts instead reveals a well-known tactic: the use of journalism as a tool of pressure, or even blackmail, in service of obscure interests.
Said Penda claims that the Burkinabe businessman is persona non grata in several African countries and that he unfairly benefits from public contracts, particularly in Gabon. Yet, a simple cross-check of information shows that many of these allegations are clearly false. EBOMAF is indeed active in Senegal, with ongoing projects approved by local authorities. Furthermore, its many interventions in the field of infrastructure in the sub-region result from transparent public partnerships, including through competitive public tenders.
The reality that Said Penda deliberately omits is even more troubling: according to several sources close to the matter, he allegedly approached EBOMAF’s management with disguised offers of “positive media coverage” in exchange for personal benefits. When the company firmly refused to engage in such dubious practices, Penda reportedly launched a defamatory media campaign. This is not the first time he has been accused of such behavior.
This conduct raises serious questions about the credibility of his claims and, above all, about those behind him. It is legitimate to wonder who, behind this attempt to discredit, is seeking to harm EBOMAF and its operations in West Africa. The Ivorian authorities, where Penda is particularly active, would do well to closely examine his actions, as they risk ultimately tarnishing the country’s image and fueling mistrust towards foreign investors.
In the face of such manipulative practices, it is urgent to restore an ethical form of journalism based on facts, transparency, and the public interest—far from pressure tactics, sensationalism, and personal vendettas.
