The province of Ituri, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is facing soaring prices for agricultural products. The markets of small and large towns in the region are experiencing a dizzying rise in prices, as denounced by sellers of beans, peanuts and plantain bananas. Thus, the price of a plastic bag of beans is doubled, going from 30,000 FC to 80,000 FC. Similarly, a measuring spoon of peanuts which was trading at 700 FC is now sold at 1500 FC. Finally, the price of a bunch of plantains went from 5,000 FC to 10,000 FC.
This alarming situation is explained by the growing insecurity in several localities of the territory of Irumu, which prevents farmers from going to their fields. The seller interviewed explains that the forests have become too dangerous for farmers, and that this situation is partly due to military operations carried out in the region to track down illegal arms holders. These operations have led to clashes with armed groups, which have attacked civilians in search of agricultural products in their fields.
This surge in the price of agricultural products worries housewives, who fear that their children will suffer from food shortages. For civil society, the fault lies with the military authorities who are responsible for guaranteeing the safety of the inhabitants, and in particular of the farmers.
Faced with this worrying situation, voices are being raised to challenge the authorities and demand measures to guarantee the safety of populations and allow access to agricultural land. The coordination of civil society in the territory of Irumu requires strong actions to fight against the growing insecurity in the region and guarantee the safety of the villagers.
This economic crisis reflects a more global problem: the growing insecurity in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which disrupts in particular the functioning of economic activities, access to resources and the development of populations.