Actors of the new Congolese civil society in South Kivu recently expressed their opposition to the crossing of small Burundian traders towards the town and territory of Uvira. Young people mobilized to prevent any Burundian carrying goods from crossing the border towards Uvira.
This reciprocal action aims to protest against the harassment suffered by the Congolese in Gatumba, Burundi. Despite the recommendations of several reports, local, provincial and national Congolese authorities have remained silent on this situation. However, the Congolese government is called upon to ask Burundi to respect the commitments made within the framework of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
Under these agreements, certain products are exempt from taxation and must benefit from facilitation in trade between the two countries. However, Burundi does not specify what these products are or in what quantity they can be crossed to the DRC. This situation has led to numerous acts of vandalism and harassment towards small Congolese traders at the Gatumba border.
Faced with this situation, Congolese civil society in Uvira decided to go to the border to prevent the entry of all Burundian traders until a solution is found. The Congolese demand that the two countries respect the texts in force to ensure the safety of their fellow citizens.
This action resulted in the blocking of around 200 small Burundian traders. The head of post of Burundi and the DRC ambassador to Burundi went to the border to assess the situation. The Congolese transmitted to the head of post the names of the people involved in the harassment in Gatumba.
It is essential to put an end to these cross-border harassments which hinder the free movement of people and goods, a vital element for the development of the region.
In conclusion, Congolese civil society actors in South Kivu are mobilizing against the harassment and acts of vandalism suffered by small Congolese traders at the Gatumba border, in Burundi. They ask the authorities of the two countries to respect the trade agreements in force and to guarantee the security of their fellow citizens. It is crucial to find a rapid solution to restore the free movement of people and goods in the region.