Far from official announcements and government speeches, the reality prevailing on the markets of the Democratic Republic of Congo during this holiday season is provoking mixed reactions. Despite the government’s decision to reduce the price of basic necessities, the situation on the ground remains worrying, leaving households in an economic impasse that is difficult to overcome.
An alarming observation emerges from the various markets of Haut Katanga, from Lubumbashi to Kasumbalesa, via Likasi and Sakania: a dizzying rise in the prices of basic foodstuffs such as rice, flour, fish, poultry, vegetable oil, etc. These products, essential during this festive period, are becoming inaccessible for many citizens.
The government’s promises seem to vanish in the daily reality of sellers and buyers on the markets. The measures taken are not followed by effective regulation or adequate supervision, leaving economic actors facing growing precariousness. Traders denounce the administrative red tape that hinders their activities and further complicates the situation.
In this context, the Federation of Congolese Enterprises of Kasumbalesa calls on the government to reduce the tax burden on economic operators to enable them to cope with this situation. A real fight against corruption and administrative red tape is also necessary to ensure a healthy and fair business environment.
Economists stress the urgency for the government to make its decisions official and to put in place concrete measures to control the application of prices on the markets. Recalcitrants will have to be subject to appropriate sanctions to ensure compliance with government directives.
In short, the current economic situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo exposes the flaws of a system where political promises are struggling to materialize. Faced with galloping inflation and increasingly difficult living conditions, it is imperative for the authorities to take emergency measures to relieve the population and restore confidence in the country’s economy.
Finally, it is necessary for the population to remain vigilant and to put pressure on the authorities to ensure a real improvement in living conditions and an effective fight against the economic insecurity that is rife in the country.
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