DR Congo conflict hurting cross-border trade

Local traders conducting business with their Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) counterparts are more conscious of the ongoing political conflict between the Congolese army and the anti-government mutiny forces.Tension is particularly high among traders in Rubavu District who frequently cross the border to do business in border city of Goma of the North Kivu Province in the DRC.“There are widespread fears and we are trying as much as possible to avoid some parts in the interior because it is not safe there,” Pascalline Umuhire, one of traders dealing in second hand clothes at Gisenyi market said.She disclosed that as a result of the increasing fear, she is obliged to shop in large quantities so that she avoids crossing the border frequently.Umuhire, explained that on a few occasions she crosses into Goma, she ensures she is back to Rwanda before 6pm.“In most cases, it is safe to spend the day across the border but during the evening, sometimes violence breaks out because the security organs there are not reliable.”The anxiety has heightened just less than a week after a total of 11 Rwandan nationals were handed over to the country’s Immigration authorities after allegedly been tortured by DRC’s armed forces.

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DR Congo conflict hurting cross-border trade