In the province of Kongo-Central, an important decision was recently taken regarding the customs declarants’ strike. After several days of mobilization, these professionals, who work in the cities of Matadi, Boma and Lufu, decided to return to work on Tuesday, October 15. This resolution follows a meeting in Kinshasa bringing together key players in the sector, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba.
One of the main demands of the customs declarants was the elimination of the land logistics fee, introduced ten years ago for an initial period of only two years. This tax has had a significant impact on the daily lives of the region’s inhabitants, contributing to the scarcity and increase in the prices of many products, as well as to the congestion of local ports.
Faced with this situation, the Deputy Prime Minister has chosen to initiate an audit, involving the General Inspectorate of Finance, to examine the use of the revenue generated by the land logistics fee. This decision aims to provide concrete answers to the concerns of customs declarants and to ensure transparency in the management of the funds collected.
The interruption of the customs declarants’ strike marks a turning point in this social movement, thus offering an opportunity for dialogue and consultation between the various stakeholders. This resumption of work paves the way for constructive discussions aimed at finding lasting solutions to the challenges encountered in the customs sector in Kongo-Central.
In conclusion, the resumption of activities by customs declarants in the Kongo-Central province after this strike period highlights the importance of dialogue and negotiation to resolve conflicts and find satisfactory outcomes for all parties involved. Let us hope that this positive dynamic continues and contributes to strengthening the transparency and efficiency of customs operations in the region.