Traffic on the Kwamouth-Masiambio road axis in the province of Mai-Ndombe has still not resumed, even after the resumption of this road by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) following its occupation by the Mobondo militia. This situation has a direct impact on the availability of agricultural products in Kwamouth, where agriculture is the main activity.
Due to the occupation of the forests by the militia, rural activities became impossible, which led to a scarcity of agricultural products in the region. To compensate for this lack, the territory of Kwamouth now depends on the Congo River for its supplies. The products mainly come from the Mushie Territory and Kwilu Province, which were once the main suppliers of agricultural commodities to Kwamouth.
However, an additional difficulty presents itself: boats from these regions no longer dock on the shore of the city of Kwamouth. The sellers are therefore forced to follow them while navigating the river, which represents significant risks for them. This situation led to a considerable increase in the prices of agricultural products, with for example an increase in the price of a bag of cassava from 45,000 FC to 80,000 FC, a bag of corn from 55,000 FC to 85,000 FC, and a bag of embers from 12,000 FC to 19,000 FC.
Local civil society expresses its concern about this situation. If the security situation does not improve, an economic crisis could develop in Kwamouth, with dramatic consequences on the lives of residents. She therefore calls on the government to take measures to save human life in this region.
Kwamouth Territory has been plagued by violence since June 2022, due to conflict between the Teke and Yaka ethnic groups. Despite the resumption of the Kwamouth-Masiambio road axis by the FARDC, pockets of insecurity persist, particularly in the villages surrounding RN 17 linking Kinshasa to Kwamouth and Bandundu-Ville.
It is crucial that the authorities take measures to restore security in the region and allow agricultural activities to resume. This will not only ensure the supply of agricultural products, but also promote economic development and the well-being of the residents of Kwamouth. Without this, the situation risks getting worse and having devastating consequences for the local population.