DRC road users decry rising taxes amid severe disrepair

Users of the Eringeti-Kainama road in the Beni territory of North Kivu are sounding the alarm over a proliferation of taxes and levies. Travelers, merchants, and transporters deem the situation unjust, especially as the roughly 45-kilometer road is severely degraded and has seen no substantial repairs.

According to local residents, the payments demanded at various checkpoints significantly increase user costs and directly impact economic activities between North Kivu and Ituri provinces. Bienfaits Baraka, a civil society advisor for the Banande-Kainama group, detailed a series of charges. "We are very worried about the multiplication of barriers on the Eringeti-Kainama road, which is in a very advanced state of disrepair for about 45 kilometers," he stated. He outlined payments for motorcycles, security, and even for transporting goods like cocoa, adding to the overall transport costs on this short stretch.

Baraka emphasized that these multiple levies contribute to the impoverishment of the local population, who already face insecurity and economic hardship. He stressed the road's strategic importance for trade between the two provinces, arguing that its improvement would facilitate the movement of people and goods, thereby supporting local economic activities.

"May our authorities help us to make life easier and see how to relieve the population suffering from insecurity in this part of the Beni territory," Baraka pleaded. "The Eringeti-Kainama section connects two provinces and is of major economic interest for both North Kivu and Ituri."

The military administrator of Beni territory has indicated he will visit the area soon to assess the situation and consider potential measures.