At the moment in Isiro, a situation of tension persists between the town hall and the Federation of Congolese Companies (FEC) concerning the collection of two important taxes: that relating to the rental of stalls at the urban public market and the tax on parking in public parking lots. This dispute led to the closure of boutiques and stores on the orders of the FEC Haut-Uele.
Initially, these businesses were closed by the town hall due to unpaid rent. However, some owners managed to regularize their situation and obtain authorization to reopen, before being prevented by the intervention of the FEC.
The FEC justifies this action by claiming to want to force the mayor of Isiro to renegotiate the taxes imposed on local entrepreneurs. Jean-Martin Mago, first president of the FEC Haut-Uele, highlighted the inequalities of treatment in terms of taxation, deploring the lack of clarity in the categorization of shops and the amounts of rent required.
He therefore calls for discussions with the mayor of Isiro to find sustainable and equitable solutions for all the traders concerned. However, the mayor has not yet given his official version of this dispute, leaving some vagueness surrounding the situation.
It is important that local authorities and business representatives find common ground to ensure a healthy business environment conducive to economic development in the region. Transparency and fairness in setting taxes are essential elements to ensure the prosperity and sustainability of local businesses.
At present, it is essential to promote dialogue and collaboration between the different stakeholders in order to unblock this situation and avoid any further disruption to the local economy. Let us hope that constructive solutions will be quickly found to allow businesses to reopen and return to a normal situation in Isiro.