KISORO – The ongoing standoff between M23 rebels and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has brought business activities to a standstill at the Bunagana border in Kisoro district.
Last Thursday, M23 rebels seized control of a town in eastern Congo through a violent clash with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC). The FARDC has assumed a more prominent role in the absence of peacekeeping forces, exacerbating the situation in this mineral-rich and conflict-prone region.
The East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) is set to completely withdraw from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by January 8, 2024, leaving local authorities responsible for securing the troubled eastern region. The Uganda People’s Defense Force contingent also yesterday withdrawn their troops from the North Kivu war zone in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Various business owners, including wholesale and retail shop operators, money changers, hoteliers, and drivers, have reported significant losses due to the conflict in the DRC. Richard Ruzaza, Eunice Kamukama, and Julius Nshimiye, who operate businesses at the Bunagana border, emphasized that a substantial portion of their customer base consists of Congolese nationals. They lamented that many of these customers have been unable to conduct business in recent days, urging leaders from the DRC to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Hajji Badru Ssebyala, the Kisoro Resident District Commissioner, confirmed that all businesses at the border are currently at a standstill. Despite the conflict in the Congo, Ssebyala assured the public that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) will ensure the border’s effective protection and security.
CUE IN SSEBYALA….ON SECURITY….RR/ENG//
