The increase in prices of salted fish in the central market of the town of Beni, in the province of North Kivu, has attracted particular attention in recent weeks. Residents of the region and local traders have witnessed a significant increase in the cost of this precious commodity, with direct economic consequences on the daily lives of consumers.
According to various sources on the ground, the price of a kilogram of salted fish now ranges between 15,000 and 22,000 Congolese francs, a notable increase compared to the previous price of 12,000 Congolese francs. A fish seller at the Kilokwa market stressed that this surge in prices was mainly due to the scarcity of the product on market stalls, a result of the blockage of transport vehicles from Uganda.
This situation essentially results from a political decision taken by the Ugandan authorities, aimed at moving the nerve center of the salted fish trade from the Kasindi-Lubiriha region to Uganda. A choice contested by many local actors, affirming that maintaining this market in the Democratic Republic of Congo is crucial for the local economy and the livelihood of the populations.
In the context of Beni, tangible signs of this shortage of salted fish are emerging, with wholesale deposits reporting stock shortages and some businesses having had to close their doors. This situation weakens the economic dynamics of the region and pushes local players to seek alternative solutions to meet growing consumer demand.
In short, the increase in prices of salted fish in Beni, North Kivu, highlights the complex issues related to the trade of this essential commodity in the region. This issue raises crucial questions about food security, the impact of political decisions on the local economy and the need to find sustainable solutions to preserve the interests of the communities concerned.