In this troubled period at the small barrier between Goma and Gisenyi, the hot news continues to report the persistent tension that reigns between small Congolese traders and local authorities. The ban imposed by the mayor of Rubavu (Gisenyi) on trucks transporting the goods of Congolese traders using the small barrier of Birere has undermined trade between the two neighboring cities.
More than 10,000 small traders grouped into 47 associations find themselves in a delicate situation, their goods being blocked in Rwanda. The decision to favor the motorcycle-tricycles of Rwandan traders to cross the border to the detriment of the Congolese has generated widespread discontent among Congolese traders.
This impasse, which has lasted for four days, has plunged the small barrier into a climate of palpable tension. Commercial activities, usually intense, are now paralyzed. Large trucks loaded with essential foodstuffs from various neighboring countries remained blocked, further exacerbating the crisis.
The platform of associations of small cross-border traders reacted strongly to this measure, which it deemed discriminatory. By favoring local traders to the detriment of foreign traders, the decision of the mayor of Rubavu goes against the principles of fair cross-border trade, stress the Congolese women traders affected by this situation.
The financial losses are piling up for these traders, who estimate that they have suffered losses of around USD 20,000 in just four days. Faced with this unprecedented economic crisis, they are calling on the authorities of the two cities of Goma and Gisenyi to intervene to find a rapid and equitable solution to this trade dispute.
The urgency of the situation calls for a rapid and concerted resolution to avoid an escalation of tension and disastrous economic consequences for traders on both sides of the border. By restoring a climate of trust and promoting fair and balanced trade, the authorities will be able to help ease tensions and restore cross-border trade flows that are essential to the region’s prosperity.