The socio-economic situation in the Rutshuru territory continues to deteriorate, warns Mbusa Mukanda Aimé, a notable in the region. This deterioration is directly linked to the security crisis which has been raging for more than two years now.
The consequences of this crisis are felt in all aspects of residents’ daily lives. Prices of goods and services have skyrocketed, making it difficult to access basic needs such as food, medical care, transportation and education.
Mbusa Mukanda emphasizes that this situation is mainly due to the suspension of traffic on national road 2 (RN2) linking Goma to Rutshuru, as well as on other important routes such as Ishasha, Bunagana, Kanyabayonga and the Far North. This cut hinders access to fields and forces many people to flee the clashes, thus paralyzing all economic activities in the region.
Rising prices are of particular concern. For example, a 25 kg bag of corn flour, which previously cost US$10, is now sold for US$25. Basic necessities are also becoming scarce, as evidenced by the rise in the price of beans, going from 1000 to 3500 Congolese francs per kilo.
Faced with this alarming situation, Mbusa Mukanda appeals to the government to restore peace in the region. He emphasizes the importance of making the Goma-Rutshuru-Butembo road operational in order to reduce the rise in prices of food and basic necessities throughout the region, including in Bukavu.
He recalls that the population of Rutshuru aspires to the end of this war to be able to resume their socio-economic activities and regain long-awaited stability.
In conclusion, the deterioration of the socio-economic situation in Rutshuru, due to the persistent security crisis, is leading to an increase in the prices of goods and services, making the lives of residents increasingly difficult. The call to restore peace in the region is crucial to revive the local economy and allow the population to return to decent living conditions.