WESTERN PROVINCE

RUBAVU — Traders in Gisenyi and DR Congo’s town of Goma say business between the two neighbouring towns has improved this year compared to the past two years, due to the current cooperation between the two countries.

According to Eugene Mwunvaneza, one of the traders in Gisenyi town, the current security in Goma has stimulated business activity.

"There was a time when business between the two countries was at a standstill due to DRC’s speculations that Rwanda was supporting CNDP’s rebel leader [Laurent] Nkunda. Some of us were arrested, tortured and kept in safe houses in Goma. We are however, happy to say that security in Goma has improved,” Mwunvaneza said. He added that many Congolese residents flock Gisenyi to buy a variety of products.

"They are potential buyers of foodstuffs from here. I think that explains the reason why food is expensive in Gisenyi town, their constant demand has provided good and stable market to farmers,” he noted.

Bahati Muroke, a resident of Birere, one of Goma town suburbs, said they buy many products from Gisenyi including chicken and eggs.

"There is high demand for eggs and chicken in Goma yet we don’t have enough suppliers. That is why we come to buy such products from Gisenyi,” he said, commending the Government of Rwanda for maintaining good ties.

"No Congolese has ever been tortured in Gisenyi, we always come and spend weekends in hotels and night clubs with guaranteed security,” he said.

The Rubavu District vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, Jacqueline Bakunduseruye, also expressed her appreciation on the current security situation in Goma.

"We had many cases of Rwandans arrested, tortured and kept in safe houses. We had several meetings with the Goma authorities over the matter but nothing was done until the recent improved diplomatic ties between the two countries that resulted in the joint military operation,” she said. She reiterated the district’s commitment to maintaining warm ties with DR Congo.

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