The notables of the Ikobo, Kisimba and Lusala groupement, in the territory of Walikale in North Kivu, recently appealed to the provincial government to temporarily suspend the collection of taxes in their region. In a letter addressed to the authorities, these notables pointed out that local traders are struggling to get back on their feet after episodes of massive population displacement.
The situation in this part of North Kivu is still precarious, with the populations still affected by the consequences of the armed conflicts that have ravaged the region. The notables believe that this period of reconstruction and return of populations does not lend itself to fiscal imposition. John Muhindo, one of the notables, points out that these traders have lost everything in the wars and they need support and peace, rather than tax burdens that are beyond their capacity.
It should be recalled that many villages in the Ikobo, Kisimba and Lusala groupements were emptied of their inhabitants during the various conflicts between local and foreign armed groups. The populations are gradually returning to their places of residence, but their living conditions remain precarious. In this context, the temporary suspension of tax collection could be a way to relieve traders and facilitate their recovery.
This call from notables highlights the challenges faced by populations and economic actors in the regions affected by the conflicts in the DRC. It also underlines the importance of a political and economic approach adapted to the specificities of post-conflict areas, in order to promote economic recovery and social stability. We hope that the provincial authorities will take this legitimate request into account and find solutions to support traders and local populations in their reconstruction process