Title: Unexpected reconciliation between Kalemie merchants and the provincial government: return to normal commercial activities
The tensions that have reigned for several days in Kalemie between the Federation of Congolese Companies (FEC) of the province of Tanganyika and the local authorities have calmed thanks to a compromise reached during a decisive meeting. Indeed, the city’s merchants, dissatisfied with the taxes deemed illegal imposed by the provincial government, had launched a strike which paralyzed commercial activities for several days.
Following constructive negotiations, FEC/Tanganyika announced the lifting of the strike after the provincial government agreed to make concessions regarding the disputed taxes. The governor notably decided to cancel the conventional tax as well as that on goods coming from certain cities. In addition, illegal services present at the port of Kalemie were asked to withdraw, thus guaranteeing a calmer climate for traders.
This decision marks the end of the “ghost town days” which had handicapped Kalemie’s economic activity for almost a week. Traders can now resume their activities under more favorable conditions, thanks to better collaboration with local authorities.
Before reaching this positive outcome, economic operators had exchanged with MP Christian Kitungwa to express the difficulties encountered in the exercise of their activities. This approach to dialogue undoubtedly facilitated the resolution of the conflict and helped establish a climate of trust between traders and local authorities.
Thus, this unexpected reconciliation between Kalemie traders and the provincial government opens the way to a more fruitful and harmonious collaboration, promoting the economic development of the Tanganyika region.