The territory of Beni, located on the border with Uganda, is the scene of a delicate monetary situation that raises major economic and political issues. Indeed, the Ugandan currency, the shilling, has unexpectedly replaced the Congolese franc in the daily transactions of the population of Watalinga, a chiefdom in this landlocked region.
This measure taken by the territory’s administrator, Colonel Ehuta Omeonga, has sparked various reactions among the local population. While the colonel called on residents to favor the use of the Congolese franc, it appears that the reality on the ground is much more complex. Indeed, Watalinga’s economic dependence on Uganda is such that the Ugandan currency is largely predominant, to the detriment of the Congolese franc.
The region’s civil society has spoken out on this unprecedented situation, highlighting the difficulties encountered by residents in complying with the imposed measure. Odette Zawadi, president of the local civil society, highlights the landlocked nature of the region and its impact on trade with Uganda. She reveals that some residents have never had the opportunity to handle a Congolese franc note in their entire lives, thus testifying to the deep anchoring of the Ugandan currency in their daily lives.
The question that now arises is the establishment of adequate financial structures to promote the use of the Congolese franc in the region. The call launched by the president of the civil society to open up the region and facilitate the circulation of the national currency is essential to ensure a smooth transition to the use of the Congolese franc as the main currency.
This case highlights the challenges facing the landlocked regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo and underlines the importance of a monetary policy adapted to these local realities. By emphasizing the urgency of finding concrete solutions to ensure the transition to the use of the Congolese franc, local and national authorities could contribute to strengthening the economy and financial stability of these remote territories.