Here is one:
“The economic operators of North Kivu and Ituri denounce the persistence of insecurity on the roads of these two provinces. Since January 2023, more than a hundred transport vehicles have been set on fire by armed groups. To this worrying situation, the Federation of Congolese Companies (FEC) of the Beni-Lubero group handed over a memorandum to local governors, calling for the securing of the region and the urgent rehabilitation of damaged roads.
In this document, economic operators highlight several problems they face. In addition to the persistent insecurity and attacks by armed groups, they denounce the dilapidated state of the roads, which makes vehicles vulnerable. They highlight in particular an incident that occurred on May 21, in the village of Sokotano, where a convoy of vehicles was blocked and set on fire by the ADF, resulting in significant material losses.
In North Kivu, they also point to the blocking of traffic by the M23 on the Kanyabayonga-Rutshuru road axis. To face these challenges, economic operators are calling for the resumption of military escort to guarantee the safety of users and are asking for the deployment of new FARDC units, with the support of the Ugandan army.
They are also advocating for the reopening of traffic between Kanyabayonga and Rutshuru to facilitate trade. On the economic level, they call on the government to rehabilitate the Ndalia-Katabey-Otmaber Idohu and Komanda Lolwa sections, while ensuring the regular maintenance of these roads.
Faced with these claims, the Governor of Ituri indicated that steps were underway to identify the company responsible for maintaining the section concerned. He also assures that efforts are being made to neutralize armed groups and restore security in the region.
This situation of insecurity and dilapidated roads is a real brake on the economic development of these provinces. It is essential that the authorities take concrete measures to guarantee the security of economic operators and allow the free movement of goods and people. Investment in the rehabilitation of roads and the strengthening of security measures will be essential to revive economic activity in these regions